• Oversee all payroll operations for a growing, multi-state workforce, ensuring the highest levels of accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. • Direct the payroll department by managing recruitment, performance evaluations, and professional development. • Oversee timely, accurate multi-state payroll execution while ensuring strict adherence to federal, state, and local mandates. • Partner with HR, Benefits, Accounting, and Digital Transformation (DX) teams to streamline data integration and business workflows. • Design and implement robust payroll policies and internal controls to minimize risk and increase operational efficiency. • Monitor shifting labor laws and tax regulations to proactively update systems and maintain organizational compliance. • Serve as the primary point of contact for third-party payroll providers and external service vendors. • Act as the final point of escalation for complex payroll inquiries from employees and internal stakeholders. • Spearhead payroll systems implementations, version upgrades, and technical enhancements.