Director, Payroll

Summary

Join Smartsheet as a Director, Payroll and lead a global team, shaping payroll processes and ensuring compliance. You will set strategic goals, develop stakeholder relationships, and oversee end-to-end payroll processing. This role requires managing a team, implementing payroll systems, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and resolving escalated issues. The position is remote-eligible and offers a competitive salary and benefits package. You will be responsible for ensuring compliance with all federal, state, local, and international payroll laws and regulations. Smartsheet offers a supportive and inclusive work environment where your contributions have real impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role, preferably within a SAAS or high-growth global technology company
• Extensive hands-on experience with the implementation, configuration, and optimization of major global payroll systems (e.g., ADP Workforce Now, ADP Global Payroll, Workday Payroll, SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll, etc.)
• Demonstrated expertise in managing international payroll operations across multiple countries, including understanding of global tax implications and compliance requirements
• Proven track record of building, managing, and developing a high-performing payroll team
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, local, and international payroll laws and regulations
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization
• Superior attention to detail, accuracy, and a strong commitment to data integrity
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, capable of navigating complex payroll scenarios in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Ability to handle highly confidential information with the utmost discretion and integrity
• Experience with AI or the willingness to assess and leverage AI as applicable

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global payroll team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accuracy, and exceptional service
• Set strategic goals and objectives for the payroll department, ensuring alignment with the company's overall business strategy and operational demands
• Develop strong stakeholder relationships and maintain a reputation as a team that ensures cross-functional collaboration
• Oversee the end-to-end processing of complex multi-state and international payrolls, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with diverse global regulation
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and international payroll laws and regulations, including timely filing of all payroll tax returns, W-2s, and equivalent international tax documentation
• Proactively monitor and adapt to changes in payroll laws and regulations globally, implementing necessary updates to systems and processes
• Prepare and analyze comprehensive payroll reports for management, finance, and other stakeholders, providing actionable insights
• Lead the evaluation, selection, implementation, and optimization of payroll systems, with significant experience in ADP or similar large-scale payroll software (e.g., Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Ceridian Dayforce)
• Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and IT departments to streamline processes, integrate systems, and enhance the overall employee experience
• Drive special projects related to payroll, such as system migrations, new country expansions, or M&A integrations
• Act as the primary point of contact for complex payroll-related inquiries from senior leaders, employees and managers across all levels and regions
• Resolve escalated payroll issues in a timely, accurate, and professional manner, maintaining high employee satisfaction

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master's degree or relevant advanced certification is a bonus
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is highly preferred
• Global Payroll Management Certificate (GPMI) is a strong asset

Benefits

• HSA, 100% employer-paid premiums, or Buy-up medical/vision and dental coverage options for full-time employees
• 401k Match to help you save for your future (50% of your contribution up to the first 6% of your eligible pay)
• Monthly stipend to support your work and productivity
• Flexible Time Away Program, plus Sick Time Off
• US employees are automatically covered under Smartsheet-sponsored life insurance, short-term, and long-term disability plans
• US employees receive 12 paid holidays per year
• Up to 24 weeks of Parental Leave
• Personal paid Volunteer Day to support our community
• Opportunities for professional growth and development including access to Udemy online courses
• Company Funded Perks, including a counseling membership, local retail discounts, and your own personal Smartsheet account
• Teleworking options from any registered location in the U.S. (role specific)