Director, Payroll Tax Compliance

Overview

This role oversees payroll tax compliance, reporting, and advisory activities across the United States and Canada. Reporting to the SVP of Accounting, you will partner with Payroll Operations, Product Management, Technology, Human Resources, and Accounting to ensure compliance with payroll tax regulations while driving process improvements, operational efficiency, and internal controls.

This is a hands-on leadership position that balances strategic initiatives (including understanding how data flows in payroll systems) with day-to-day operational execution. You will lead and develop a team of payroll tax professionals and serve as a subject matter expert on payroll tax matters.

Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and mentor a team of six payroll tax professionals, fostering accountability, continuous improvement, and professional growth.
• Oversee payroll tax filings, payments, and related compliance activities for legal entities across the United States and Canada.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies regarding payroll tax audits, inquiries, notices, and compliance matters.
• Partner with the SVP of Accounting and peer leaders to develop and execute payroll tax strategies aligned with organizational goals and compliance requirements.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance scalability, accuracy, efficiency, and customer service.
• Oversee year-end payroll tax processing, including W-2 and other required reporting, system updates, and regulatory filing requirements.
• Establish, maintain, and enhance policies, procedures, and internal controls related to payroll tax compliance and reporting.
• Review payroll tax account reconciliations and oversee resolution of tax liabilities, credits, refunds, and agency correspondence.
• Ensure documentation, knowledge transfer, and cross-training across the payroll tax function.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting payroll tax compliance and communicate impacts and required actions to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Payroll Operations, Product Management, Technology, and Finance to evaluate, prioritize, and implement system enhancements and compliance-related changes.
• Develop business requirements and participate in testing, implementation, and validation of payroll tax system enhancements.
• Serve as payroll tax subject matter expert for enterprise initiatives, acquisitions, system implementations, and other strategic projects.
• Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, vendors, auditors, and government agencies.

Requirements

• 10+ years of progressive payroll tax experience, including at least 5 years in a leadership role managing payroll tax compliance functions.
• Strong knowledge of U.S. and Canadian payroll tax regulations, filings, and compliance requirements.
• Experience managing complex payroll tax operations within large, multi-state and multi-jurisdiction organizations.
• Demonstrated success leading teams, developing talent, and driving organizational change.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management, and decision-making capabilities.
• Proven ability to operate effectively in a high-volume, deadline-driven, and rapidly evolving environment. 10 years of experience with a minimum of 5 years specific to payroll tax compliance and management.
• Expert-level computer skills including Excel, Word, and MS Outlook.
• Hands-on experience using AI tools within your discipline—able to speak to specific tools used, workflow integration, and measurable business impact—with a drive to continuously experiment with and apply emerging AI capabilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or equivalent; CPA, CPP, or FPC certification preferred.
• Experience with enterprise payroll and financial systems; Oracle Financials experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• Entertainment, media, or production industry experience preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation range: $140,000.00 - $160,000.00 per year (commensurate with factors including relevant experience, qualifications, skills, training, licensure, certifications, geographic cost of labor, and other business and organizational needs).

Benefits may include:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) match
• Generous PTO
• Paid parental leave
• Health and wellness programs
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee discounts

Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements.

Location

United States and Canada (role covers payroll tax compliance across both countries).

Special Work Conditions

• Sedentary: primarily sitting, with possible brief periods of walking or standing.
• Some positions may involve exerting up to 15 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force to lift, carry, push, or pull.

Equal Opportunity Statement

An equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Employment decisions are made without regard to age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship or marital status, and in accordance with a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment, or bias.