Director, Payroll Tax Compliance

Overview

This role is responsible for strategic and operational leadership of payroll tax compliance, reporting, and advisory activities across the United States and Canada. Reporting to the SVP of Accounting, the Director, Payroll Tax partners with Payroll Operations, Product Management, Technology, Human Resources, and Accounting to ensure compliance with payroll tax regulations while driving process improvements, operational efficiency, and strong internal controls.

The position requires a hands-on leader who can balance strategic operational efficiency initiatives with day-to-day execution, including understanding how data flows in payroll systems. The role also involves leading and developing a team of payroll tax professionals and serving 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 all payroll tax filings, payments, and related compliance activities for legal entities across the United States and Canada.
• Act 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 that support organizational goals and compliance requirements.
• Identify and implement process improvements to 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 appropriate documentation, knowledge transfer, and cross-training across the payroll tax function.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments impacting payroll tax compliance and communicate business impacts and required actions to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Payroll Operations, Product Management, Technology, and Finance teams 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 a payroll tax subject matter expert for enterprise initiatives, acquisitions, system implementations, and other strategic projects.
• Build and maintain 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 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
• 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
• 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, reporting, and advisory activities across both countries).

Special Work Conditions

• Sedentary: involves sitting most of the time, with 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.