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Payroll Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

As a Payroll Director, you will: * Department Management: Oversee payroll processing and review the work of Payroll Analyst I and Payroll Analyst II. Identify and provide training and guidance to ...

As a Payroll Director, you will: * Department Management: Oversee payroll processing and review the work of Payroll Analyst I and Payroll Analyst II. Identify and provide training and guidance to ...

As a Payroll Director, you will: * Department Management: Oversee payroll processing and review the work of Payroll Analyst I and Payroll Analyst II. Identify and provide training and guidance to ...

As a Payroll Director, you will: * Department Management: Oversee payroll processing and review the work of Payroll Analyst I and Payroll Analyst II. Identify and provide training and guidance to ...

Payroll Director

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$95K - $100K/yr

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Director to lead enterprise payroll operations for a complex, multi-jurisdiction workforce in California. This role is responsible for delivering accurate ...

We are seeking an experienced, detail-oriented Payroll Director to lead and manage our payroll operations. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in payroll compliance, systems, and process ...

As our Payroll Director, you'll be challenged and rewarded. Impact our customers' packaging performance and efficiency every day. Help build the future of packaging automation. We're proud of that ...

As our Payroll Director, you'll be challenged and rewarded. Impact our customers' packaging performance and efficiency every day. Help build the future of packaging automation. We're proud of that ...

As our Payroll Director, you'll be challenged and rewarded. Impact our customers' packaging performance and efficiency every day. Help build the future of packaging automation. We're proud of that ...

As Director of Payroll, you will: * Provide strategic leadership for enterprise payroll operations supporting approximately 55,000 employees nationwide. * Lead and develop a payroll organization ...

The Payroll Director will lead the organization's Payroll Department to deliver payroll for both the United States and Canada. You'll ensure compliance and consistent application of federal, state ...

As our Payroll Director, you'll be challenged and rewarded. Impact our customers' packaging performance and efficiency every day. Help build the future of packaging automation. We're proud of that ...

Payroll Director

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

The Department of Probation is seeking to hire a Payroll Director who will oversee the Department's payroll operations and provide leadership to the Payroll unit. The Director is responsible for ...

The Payroll Director will lead the organization's Payroll Department to deliver payroll for both the United States and Canada. You'll ensure compliance and consistent application of federal, state ...

The Department of Probation is seeking to hire a Payroll Director who will oversee the Department's payroll operations and provide leadership to the Payroll unit. The Director is responsible for ...

As Director of Payroll Administration, you are a vital member of the Payroll and broader HR team. Together with your team and key stakeholders, you will re-define, standardize and operationalize ...

We are currently supporting a confidential search for a Payroll Director to join a rapidly growing, multi-entity organization undergoing significant expansion and transformation. This is a unique ...

We are seeking an experienced Director, Payroll to lead enterprise payroll operations for a large, multi-state healthcare organization supporting approximately 55,000 employees nationwide. This ...

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Payroll Director information

See salary details

$57.5K

$116.4K

$165K

How much do payroll director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll director in the United States is $116,415.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $96,000.00 and $135,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Payroll Director Do?

A payroll director oversees the payroll department, ensures that accounting is accurate, and pays all payroll taxes for their organization. As a payroll director, your daily duties involve reconciling payroll ledgers, confirming tax laws and regulations are met, and managing employee compensation and benefits. A payroll director may also be responsible for hiring and training new employees.

What are Payroll Directors?

Payroll Directors are senior professionals responsible for overseeing an organization’s payroll operations, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. They manage payroll staff, develop and implement payroll policies, ensure compliance with tax laws and regulations, and often collaborate with HR and finance departments. Payroll Directors also handle complex payroll issues, audit processes, and may be involved in selecting and maintaining payroll systems. Their role is crucial in maintaining employee satisfaction and organizational compliance.

What are some common challenges a Payroll Director faces when managing multi-state or international payroll operations?

Payroll Directors overseeing multi-state or international operations often encounter challenges such as navigating varying tax laws, compliance regulations, and reporting requirements for each jurisdiction. They must stay updated on frequent legislative changes and ensure accuracy across different systems, which may require collaborating closely with legal, finance, and HR teams. Effective communication, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills are essential to mitigate compliance risks and streamline payroll processes across diverse locations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Payroll Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Payroll Director, you need deep expertise in payroll processing, tax compliance, and relevant labor laws, typically backed by a degree in finance, accounting, or business and several years of payroll management experience. Familiarity with payroll software (such as ADP, SAP, or Workday), data analysis tools, and certifications like Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) are commonly required. Exceptional leadership, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring accurate, timely payroll operations and minimizing legal and financial risks for the organization.

What is the difference between Payroll Director vs Payroll Manager?

AspectPayroll DirectorPayroll Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire payroll department, develops policies, ensures compliance, manages teamManages payroll processing, supervises staff, ensures accurate and timely payroll
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance, payroll certifications (e.g., CPP)Usually requires similar credentials, payroll certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentExecutive-level, strategic focus, higher-level decision makingOperational focus, day-to-day payroll processing
Industry UsageCommon in large organizations and corporationsFound in organizations of various sizes, often as a supervisory role

The Payroll Director and Payroll Manager roles share many credentials and work environments, but the Director typically handles strategic oversight and policy development, while the Manager focuses on daily payroll operations. Both positions are essential in payroll departments, especially in larger organizations.

What cities are hiring for Payroll Director jobs? Cities with the most Payroll Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs? The most popular types of Payroll jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Payroll Director jobs? The top employers for Payroll Director jobs are:
What states have the most Payroll Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Payroll Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Payroll Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,415 per year, or $56 per hour.
Payroll Director

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago


CliftonLarsonAllen rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 17 rated bookkeepers and accountants


Job description

CLA is a top 10 national professional services firm where our purpose is to create opportunities every day, for our clients, our people, and our communities through industry-focused wealth advisory, digital, audit, tax, consulting, and outsourcing services. Even with more than 8,500 people, 130 U.S. locations, and a global reach, we promise to know you and help you.
CLA is dedicated to building a culture that invites different beliefs and perspectives to the table, so we can truly know and help our clients, communities, and each other.
About the role:
CLA is looking to hire a Payroll Director who will be a key member of the Outsourcing team and provide leadership and technical expertise to our internal team and clients.
As a Payroll Director, you will:
  • Department Management: Oversee payroll processing and review the work of Payroll Analyst I and Payroll Analyst II. Identify and provide training and guidance to team members. Assist in hiring and coaching payroll analysts.
  • Tax Management: Oversee and provide guidance with state tax registrations for payroll clients. Oversee and manage quarterly tax filing process for the department. Serve as firm wide resource for payroll tax assistance.
  • Process Management: Develop policies and procedures to ensure client experiences are consistent and of high quality. Develop and implement business processes to assure accuracy and efficiency. Contribute to proposals and establishing fee quotes. Absorb more complex payroll processing as needed.
  • Client Service: Manage client relationships and serve as escalation point as needed. Consult on compensation and benefit issues with clients as needed. Facilitate invoicing with clients and follow up to ensure maximized realization occurs. Serve as project manager for set up of new clients. Lead client conversions and serve as project manager.

What you will need:
  • 5 years of relevant experience required.
    Experience in payroll processing plus 2 years of leadership experience preferred.
  • Bachelor's degree is required. Combination of experience, education, and training may be accepted in lieu of degree.
  • Degree in Business, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field preferred.
  • PHR, SPHR or CPP preferred.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft (MS) Office products, including MS Excel (or other spreadsheet experience), and payroll software is necessary

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Wellness at CLA
To support our CLA family members, we focus on their physical, financial, social, and emotional well-being and offer comprehensive benefit options that include health, dental, vision, 401k and much more.
To view a complete list of benefits, click here.

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About CliftonLarsonAllen

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) is a leading professional services company based in Minneapolis, MN, US. CLA operates in the accounting industry and offers a broad range of products and services such as wealth advisory, outsourcing, audit, tax, and consulting services. The company was founded in 1953 with a merger between two firms, Clifton Gunderson and LarsonAllen, in 2012. Working in accordance with their mission to create opportunities for clients, people, and communities, they have established a presence across the US, serving privately held businesses, non-profits, and governmental entities. Recognized for their contributions, CLA has received accolades such as the Innovative Firm of the Year award.

Industry

Accounting services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US

Year founded

2012