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Payroll Director Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

The Reserves Network Inc

Payroll Specialist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$23 - $31.25/hr

Payroll Specialist | $56,000-$62,000 + Great Benefits | Onsite | Direct Hire | Des Moines, IA A well-established organization in the Des Moines area is seeking a Payroll Specialist to support ...

Robert Half

IA · On-site

$24 - $28/hr

Maintain employee payroll records, including earnings, deductions, garnishments, 401k contributions, tax information, and direct deposit updates. * Review and audit payroll data to ensure compliance ...

Robert Half

Payroll Specialist

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$25 - $28/hr

Maintain employee payroll records and update changes related to compensation, taxes, and direct deposit information. * Reconcile payroll reports and assist with payroll-related general ledger entries.

Edgewater

Payroll Specialist

Johnston, IA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Maintains payroll-related employee records, including updates to addresses, tax withholding forms, direct deposit information, and other payroll-related demographic data. * Processes employee status ...

WesleyLife

Payroll Specialist

Johnston, IA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Maintains payroll-related employee records, including updates to addresses, tax withholding forms, direct deposit information, and other payroll-related demographic data. * Processes employee status ...

WesleyLife

Payroll Specialist

Johnston, IA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Maintains payroll-related employee records, including updates to addresses, tax withholding forms, direct deposit information, and other payroll-related demographic data. * Processes employee status ...

WesleyLife

Payroll Specialist

Johnston, IA · On-site

$22 - $30/hr

Maintains payroll-related employee records, including updates to addresses, tax withholding forms, direct deposit information, and other payroll-related demographic data. * Processes employee status ...

Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc.

Payroll Specialist

Hills, IA

$22.50 - $30.50/hr

Payroll Specialist Eldon C. Stutsman, Inc. is hiring for a Payroll Specialist to be on site, daily ... direct deposit accounts and tax withholdings * Provides ongoing support to users looking for/asking ...

Innovar Group

Regional Payroll Manager

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

Direct Hire - Onsite Salary : $100-$120K + 10% bonus Innovar Group is hiring a Regional Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations for a large, multi-state, project-based workforce.. This person will ...

TPI

Human Resources & Payroll Specialist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$20 - $32/hr

Process biweekly payroll, including reviewing timecards, overtime, deductions, tax updates, direct deposit changes, 401(k) deferrals/loans, and other payroll-related changes. * Maintain employee ...

Tri-City Group

Payroll Assistant

Davenport, IA · On-site

The Payroll Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. Key responsibilities include collecting timesheets, entering data into payroll systems, and ...

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Payroll Director information

See Iowa salary details

$54K

$109.3K

$155K

How much do payroll director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for payroll director in Iowa is $109,344.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $90,200.00 and $126,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a payroll director?

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 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 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 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 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.

More about Payroll Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Payroll jobs in Iowa are:

What job categories do people searching Payroll Director jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Payroll Director jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Payroll Director jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Payroll Director job openings:

Payroll Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Director job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,344 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Payroll Specialist

Des Moines, IA • On-site

The Reserves Network Inc
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 10K+ employees
Learn more about The Reserves Network Incexternal

$23 - $31.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Payroll Specialist | $56,000–$62,000 + Great Benefits | Onsite | Direct Hire | Des Moines, IA

A well-established organization in the Des Moines area is seeking a Payroll Specialist to support accurate and timely payroll processing across a multi-location workforce. This position offers the opportunity to take ownership of payroll processing, reconciliations, reporting, and employee support while partnering closely with Finance, HR, and operational leaders. Ideal for an experienced payroll professional who values accuracy, service, and collaboration in a stable organization.

Why This Opportunity
• Direct Hire opportunity with a stable, established organization
• Collaborative and mission-driven work environment
• Opportunity to take ownership of key payroll processes
• Exposure to UKG payroll and HRIS functionality
• Long-term professional growth and development opportunities

Key Responsibilities
• Process biweekly payroll, including auditing timecards, earnings, deductions, adjustments, and approvals
• Manage payroll-related employee changes, garnishments, tax withholdings, and other required deductions
• Reconcile benefit deductions and partner with HR to resolve enrollment and payroll discrepancies
• Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, audit documentation, and regulatory support materials
• Utilize UKG and related systems to support payroll processing, reporting, testing, and data accuracy

Qualifications
• 2–3+ years of payroll, accounting, finance, or related experience
• Working knowledge of payroll taxes, garnishments, deductions, and wage-and-hour requirements
• Experience with UKG or a comparable payroll/HRIS platform
• Strong Microsoft Excel, reporting, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail, communication skills, and ability to handle confidential information

Your Benefits
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions
• Paid time off
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Employee wellness and support programs

Your New Employer
Join a stable organization with a longstanding commitment to the Des Moines Metro Area. You’ll become part of a collaborative environment where accuracy, integrity, service, and teamwork are valued, while supporting payroll operations across a growing multi-entity organization.

Your Career Partner
The Reserves Network, a veteran-founded and family-owned company, specializes in connecting exceptional talent with rewarding opportunities. With extensive industry experience, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your professional goals and shine in your field. The Reserves Network values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. As an equal-opportunity employer, we foster an environment of respect, integrity, and trust in every aspect of employment.
Reserves Network logo

About Reserves Network

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The Reserves Network is more than a temporary staffing company. We are a leading provider of flexible staffing services, including temporary, temp-to-hire and direct hire placements to create Total Staffing Solutions. We take care of our people - our customers, the communities we serve and, of course, each other. This is what makes us different. This is what makes us great.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Fairview Park, OH, US

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