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Payroll Executive Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Futurewave Systems

COS Payroll Specialist Lead

Atlanta, GA

$22.50 - $30.75/hr

Partners with the Regional Payroll Executive (RPE) to identify and develop training plans to address performance gaps. * Monitors and communicates associate action plans and ensures associates ...

HealthPlus Staffing

Director, Payroll

Brentwood, TN

$145K - $160K/yr

This is a highly visible leadership opportunity for an experienced payroll executive who excels at balancing operational excellence with payroll systems optimization. The ideal candidate will bring ...

AlediumHR

Payroll Director

Brentwood, TN

What Makes You Successful We're looking for an experienced payroll executive who combines operational excellence with deep expertise in Oracle Payroll. Required Qualifications * 10+ years of ...

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Payroll Executive information

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How much do payroll executive jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for payroll executive in the United States is $27.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $31.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do payroll specialists earn?

Payroll specialists typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $45,000 to $65,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Salaries can increase with certifications such as Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) and proficiency in payroll software like ADP or SAP.

What does a Payroll Executive do?

A Payroll Executive is responsible for managing and overseeing an organization's payroll process, ensuring that all employees are paid accurately and on time. Their duties typically include calculating wages, handling tax deductions, maintaining payroll records, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Payroll Executives may also address employee queries regarding salaries, benefits, and deductions, and collaborate with HR and finance departments to ensure smooth payroll operations.

Does payroll get paid a lot?

Payroll executives typically earn a moderate to high salary depending on experience, location, and company size. They often require knowledge of payroll software and compliance regulations, which can influence compensation levels. Salaries can range widely but are generally competitive within finance and administrative roles.

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

To thrive as a Payroll Executive, you need a solid understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and accounting principles, typically supported by a degree in finance, business, or a related field. Familiarity with payroll software such as ADP, SAP, or QuickBooks, and relevant certifications like CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) are highly beneficial. Attention to detail, strong organizational abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate, timely payroll processing and compliance with legal requirements, which are vital for employee satisfaction and organizational integrity.

What are some common challenges faced by Payroll Executives, and how can they be managed effectively?

Payroll Executives often face challenges such as ensuring compliance with ever-changing tax regulations, managing large volumes of sensitive employee data, and meeting strict payroll deadlines. To manage these effectively, it's important to stay updated on relevant laws, utilize reliable payroll software, and maintain strong organizational skills. Collaborating closely with HR and finance teams also ensures accuracy and timely resolution of discrepancies, making the payroll process smoother and more efficient.

What is the highest paying job in payroll?

The highest paying roles in payroll typically include Payroll Manager, Payroll Director, or Payroll Vice President, which involve overseeing payroll operations and strategy. These senior positions often require extensive experience, leadership skills, and certifications such as CPP (Certified Payroll Professional). Salaries for these roles can exceed six figures depending on the organization and location.

What is a payroll executive?

A payroll executive is responsible for managing employee compensation, ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll, and maintaining related records. They often use payroll software and need knowledge of tax laws and company policies to ensure compliance and efficiency.
What cities are hiring for Payroll Executive jobs? Cities with the most Payroll Executive job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Payroll jobs? The most popular types of Payroll jobs are:
What states have the most Payroll Executive jobs? States with the most job openings for Payroll Executive jobs include:
Payroll Executive jobs near you
Infographic showing various Payroll Executive job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $57,971 per year, or $27.9 per hour.

Director, Payroll Executive Compensation

McKesson

Alpharetta, GA • On-site, Remote

$124K - $207K/yr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

McKesson rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 209 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 86 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

McKesson is an impact-driven, Fortune 10 company that touches virtually every aspect of healthcare. We are known for delivering insights, products, and services that make quality care more accessible and affordable. Here, we focus on the health, happiness, and well-being of you and those we serve - we care.

What you do at McKesson matters. We foster a culture where you can grow, make an impact, and are empowered to bring new ideas. Together, we thrive as we shape the future of health for patients, our communities, and our people. If you want to be part of tomorrow's health today, we want to hear from you.

Director, Payroll Executive Compensation

McKesson is seeking an experienced Director, Payroll Executive Compensation to lead the Executive Compensation and U.S. Payroll functions. This role is responsible for ensuring accurate and compliant payroll operations, leading payroll process improvements, managing payroll-related risk, and developing a high-performing team. The Director will partner closely with Human Resources, Finance, IT, Tax, and Audit teams to support organizational priorities and deliver an exceptional employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations

Ensure effective payroll integrations across timekeeping, HR, benefits, and other enterprise systems.

Oversee executive payroll activities, including annual incentive plan (MIP) payments, restricted stock vesting events, and deferred compensation administration.

Maintain confidentiality and integrity of payroll and compensation data.

Operational Excellence

Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on payroll processes, controls, and system efficiency.

Monitor payroll metrics and key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify trends and improvement opportunities.

Utilize data and analytics to support decision-making and operational excellence.

Leadership and Team Development

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing payroll team.

Serve as a subject matter expert for complex payroll matters.

Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Compliance and Risk Management

Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations and tax requirements.

Manage payroll controls and identify opportunities to mitigate risk.

Partner with internal and external auditors and support payroll-related audits and reviews.

Cross-Functional Partnership

Collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, Tax, and Audit teams to support key business initiatives.

Build strong partnerships across the organization to ensure payroll processes align with business objectives.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

10+ years of progressive payroll experience in a large, fast-paced environment.

5+ years of people leadership experience.

5+ years of experience processing executive payroll and expatriate payroll.

Experience managing multi-state payroll operations.

Working knowledge of Workday Payroll.

Strong knowledge of payroll regulations, payroll tax compliance, and payroll accounting principles.

Preferred Qualifications

Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certification.

Shared Services Center experience.

Experience supporting executive compensation, deferred compensation, and equity-related payroll transactions.

Critical Skills

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Ability to handle highly confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Advanced Excel and data analysis capabilities.

Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

Adaptability and effectiveness in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

We are proud to offer a competitive compensation package at McKesson as part of our Total Rewards. This is determined by several factors, including performance, experience and skills, equity, regular job market evaluations, and geographical markets. The pay range shown below is aligned with McKesson's pay philosophy, and pay will always be compliant with any applicable regulations. In addition to base pay, other compensation, such as an annual bonus or long-term incentive opportunities may be offered. For more information regarding benefits at McKesson, pleaseclick here.

Our Base Pay Range for this position

$124,400 - $207,400

McKesson has become aware of online recruiting-related scams in which individuals who are not affiliated with or authorized by McKesson are using McKesson's (or affiliated entities, like CoverMyMeds or RxCrossroads) name in fraudulent emails, job postings or social media messages. In light of these scams, please bear the following in mind:
McKesson Talent Advisors will never solicit money or credit card information in connection with a McKesson job application.


McKesson Talent Advisors do not communicate with candidates via online chatrooms or using email accounts such as Gmail or Hotmail. Note that McKesson does rely on a virtual assistant (Gia) for certain recruiting-related communications with candidates.

McKesson job postings are posted on our career site: careers.mckesson.com.

McKesson is an Equal Opportunity Employer

McKesson provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other legally protected category. For additional information on McKesson's full Equal Employment Opportunity policies, visit our Equal Employment Opportunity page.

McKesson is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers including job seekers with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please contact us by sending an email to (United States) Disability_Accommodation@McKesson.com or (Canada) Accessibility@mckesson.ca. Resumes or CVs submitted to this email box will not be accepted.

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