Director, Payroll

Reporting to the Senior Vice President, Accounting, the Director, Payroll will provide strategic leadership and oversight of all aspects of payroll shared services operations for the multi-entity multi-state organization with over 10,000 team members, including Tribal Members. This role is responsible for aligning payroll systems and operations with the entities overall business strategies, closely collaborating with Finance, Accounting, Legal, Human Resources and operational leaders to drive strategy and effectively mitigate financial, legal, compliance and operational risk. The Director plays a critical role in safeguarding payroll accuracy, maintaining confidentiality, and driving continuous improvement in payroll policies and procedures.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provides strategic leadership to the payroll department, aligning strategies with organizational goals. Ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations including tax reporting, ensuring timely implementation of necessary changes. Fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the team.
2. Develops and enforces payroll policies for consistency, accuracy, compliance and risk mitigation. Resolves complex payroll issues and advise senior leadership on payroll-related issues and compliance. Governs all system implementations, integrations and upgrades by ensuring appropriate and succinct planning with cross-functional teams and timelines. Implements and maintains payroll systems and technology to improve efficiency and accuracy. Drives continuous improvement initiatives while ensuring optimization of payroll system controls and their impact on the overall business.
3. Oversees internal and external payroll audits, ensuring compliance and accurate records. Keeps stakeholders informed about payroll laws and regulations and develops implementation plans. Analyzes and addresses payroll data integrity issues. Provides data and insights for financial planning, audits, and compliance reporting. Maintains strong relationships with auditors and regulatory bodies.
4. Ensures the payroll system complies with federal, multi-state, and local laws by establishing controls and monitoring results. Collaborates with Human Resources, IT, and external providers to adapt processes. Analyzes and addresses payroll data integrity issues and develops solutions for accuracy and reliability. Defines operational KPIs and SLAs and ensure contract compliance. Leads cross-functional teams to address and resolves payroll-related challenges.
5. Leads payroll during crises, ensuring operational continuity. Stays updated with payroll laws and engages in continuous learning and professional development. Represents the department on various committees and fosters a culturally aware work environment.
6. Performs other duties as assigned to support the efficient operation of the department.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training employees; planning, assigning reviewing and directing work; evaluating and appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Makes hiring decisions and designs individual development plans with succession planning in mind for all key roles.

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is required.
• Minimum ten (10) years of progressive payroll experience in high volume employee count electronic payroll systems is required.
• Minimum seven (7) years of managing teams within payroll is required.
• Related, relevant, and/or direct experience may be considered in lieu of minimum educational requirements indicated above.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (KSA)

• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll laws and tax regulations.
• Proficiency in payroll software and systems (e.g., ADP or SAP) is required.
• Experience in Workday system highly preferred.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Ability to acquire In-depth understanding of Tribal Employment Rights Ordinances (TERO) and other Native American employment laws.
• Familiarity with the unique payroll requirements and compliance issues related to Native American tribes.
• Must have executive presence and be able to present to Executives and Boards.
• Must be able to demonstrate influential and negotiation skills with executive leadership.
• Mastery of advanced Excel skills including complex formulas required.
• Proven ability to provide leadership, guidance, collaboration, and empowerment is a must.
• Demonstrated ability to drive business results is required.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing, complex accounting information in a clear and concise manner with leadership, colleagues, and staff.
• Act with integrity, professionalism, and personal responsibility to uphold the organization's values, vision and goals.
• Ability to meet deadlines and perform under pressure and job ambiguity.

REQUIRED LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND REGISTRATIONS

• At the discretion of the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, you may be required to obtain and maintain a gaming license.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation required.
• Select One of the Following for Driving Responsibilities: Driving Responsibilities: Role requires regular commuting between locations. A valid driver's license and vehicle insurance with minimum liability limits is required. Role will not operate or drive Tribe-owned vehicles or patron vehicles.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/ WORKING CONDITIONS - ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and working environment described here are representative of those that an employee encounters and must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Primary work environment is in a climate-controlled office setting.
• Work requires travel to attend meetings, trade shows, and conferences.
• Incumbents may be required to work evening, weekend and holiday shifts.
• Must be able to work in a fast-paced, high-demand environment.
• Strength sufficient to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects and/or move up to 40 pounds occasionally.
• Sedentary work: involves sitting most of the time. Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer.
• Physical activities that apply to the essential functions of the position are balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Hearing sufficient to hear conversational levels in person, via videoconference and over the telephone.
• Speech sufficient to make oneself heard and understood in person, in front of groups, in meetings, via videoconference and over the telephone.
• Visual acuity that meets the requirements of the position: The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; expansive reading and visual inspection of employees, visitors or facility.
• Mobility sufficient to safely move in an office environment, walk, stoop, bend and kneel, and enter, exit and operate a motor vehicle in the course of travel to promotional events, meetings, conferences, trade shows and San Manuel properties.
• Endurance sufficient to sit, walk and stand for extended periods, and maintain efficiency throughout the entire work shift and during extended work hours.
• The employee may be exposed to fumes or airborne particles including secondhand smoke.

Reasonable accommodation will be made in compliance with all applicable law.

As one of the largest private employers in the Inland Empire, San Manuel deeply cares about the future, growth and well-being of its employees. Join our team today!