Robert Half has a new direct-hire opportunity for a Payroll Director based in Baltimore, MD. The Payroll Director is responsible for leading and managing all aspects of payroll operations for a multi-state U.S. workforce of several thousand employees. This role oversees a small team of payroll professionals, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while continuously improving systems, controls, and processes. This is a hybrid position! If interested, please apply to this posting or contact Cody Marshall at Robert Half to learn more.

Key ResponsibilitiesPayroll Operations & ComplianceOversee end-to-end payroll processing for a multi-state employee population (e.g., salaried, hourly, exempt, non-exempt).Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll laws and regulations (including tax filings, wage and hour laws, and reporting requirements).Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regulatory changes and implement necessary process updates.

Ensure accurate and timely processing of payroll, including bonuses, commissions, equity transactions, and off-cycle payments.

Team LeadershipLead, mentor, and develop a small payroll team, fostering a culture of accountability, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and professional development plans.

Optimize team workflows and resource allocation to ensure efficiency and scalability.

Systems & Process ImprovementManage and optimize payroll systems (e.g., HRIS/payroll platforms), including upgrades, integrations, and troubleshooting.

Identify opportunities to streamline processes, automate manual tasks, and improve data accuracy.

Partner with IT and HR to enhance system functionality and reporting capabilities.

Audit, Controls & ReportingEstablish and maintain strong internal controls to ensure payroll accuracy and mitigate risk.

Support internal and external audits by providing documentation, reconciliations, and process explanations.

Prepare and review payroll-related reports, reconciliations, and analytics for leadership.

Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with HR on employee data changes, benefits deductions, and compliance matters.

Work closely with Finance on general ledger reconciliations, accruals, and financial reporting.

Act as a subject matter expert for payroll-related inquiries across the organization.