Director, Payroll-Hybrid Schedule

$155,000 - $170,000/Yr

Columbia University - New York, NY

Part-time,Full-time - Senior

New York, NY

Educational Services

About the position

The Payroll Director at Columbia University is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing the accurate and timely payment of compensation exceeding $3.5 billion to over 34,000 employees. Reporting directly to the Deputy Controller, this position ensures that payroll operations are executed flawlessly, with over 100 semi-monthly, bi-weekly, and weekly payroll runs conducted with precision. The Payroll Director is tasked with ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including tax reporting and filings, while also adhering to University policies and collective bargaining agreements. This role is critical in maintaining the integrity of payroll accounting within the PeopleSoft financial accounting system, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of payroll processes. In addition to managing payroll operations, the Payroll Director leads a team of eight members responsible for payroll functions. This leadership role involves mentoring and developing the team, providing guidance, training, and opportunities for professional growth. The Payroll Director is also responsible for collaborating with the Human Resource Processing Center (HRPC) and Columbia University Information Technology (CUIT) on system enhancements and upgrades, ensuring that payroll systems are continuously improved to meet the evolving needs of the University. The position also requires the Payroll Director to support various internal and external audits, ensuring timely implementation of recommendations and maintaining compliance with all payroll-related regulations. The role involves establishing operational protocols, analyzing payroll system setups for new benefits or collective bargaining agreements, and identifying opportunities for process improvement. The Payroll Director is expected to develop data-driven metrics to monitor team performance and provide dashboards for senior leadership, ensuring transparency and accountability in payroll operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversees payroll operations and accounting for over 34,000 employees, ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, including tax reporting and filings.
• Ensures compliance with University policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Ensures proper accounting of payroll to Peoplesoft accounting system and complete reconciliation of all general ledger account balances every month.
• Collaborates with the Human Resource Processing Center (HRPC) and Columbia University Information Technology (CUIT) on system enhancements and upgrades.
• Supports various internal and external audits and ensures timely implementation of proposed recommendations.
• Establishes operational protocol and analyses/recommends payroll system setups required for new benefits and/or new collective bargaining agreements.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement and leads the design and implementation of enhancements.
• Develops payroll training materials and provides on-going guidance to school and department administrators.
• Interprets and administers state and federal regulations on pay and taxation, with related reporting to various government agencies and vendors.
• Ensures a high level of employee customer service is provided; is a key contact for HR and Finance Service Desk.
• Manages relationships with vendors (ADP and Experian) who provide key payroll outsourced services.
• Stays updated on changes in payroll laws and regulations and implements necessary changes to ensure compliance.
• Leads and mentors the payroll team, providing guidance, training, and development opportunities.
• Develops data-driven metrics to monitor payroll team performance and dashboards for senior leadership.
• Participates in special projects from time to time and leads Payroll specific tasks.
• Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance or a related field required.
• 7-9 years' related experience in payroll accounting and operations.
• Extensive knowledge of large ERP payroll systems and software (preferably Peoplesoft Payroll module).
• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local payroll regulations and compliance requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel) essential, along with a demonstrated ability to prepare reports, summaries, and analyses and present findings and recommendations.
• Demonstrated planning and project management skills required, as well as a demonstrated ability to collect and analyze data and evaluate information.
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and problem-solving skills, and ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree or other professional certification (CPA).
• 8+ years' related experience in payroll accounting and operations.
• At least five years in a leadership role overseeing large-scale payroll operations.
• Experience in a large, complex academic or research environment.