Job Description

Director of Payroll
Location: San Diego, CA (Hybrid)
Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire
Compensation: $115k– $165k + Bonus & Equity
Reports To: Senior Director of People
Systems: Workday Payroll (must have), Excel proficiency required
 
Position Overview
A publicly traded organization is seeking a Director of Payroll to lead its global payroll operations . This is a hands-on leadership role based in San Diego (hybrid 3x/week), responsible for overseeing U.S. and international payroll, ensuring tax compliance, vendor transition management, and process optimization.
The ideal candidate is a strategic, detail-oriented payroll expert with extensive Workday experience , deep knowledge of international payroll compliance (particularly in the UK and Netherlands), and the ability to lead through complex organizational change.
 
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute a long-term payroll strategy aligned with business goals
• Review and implement global payroll policies, procedures, and compliance standards
• Mentor and develop a high-performing payroll team, fostering accountability and improvement
• Partner with People Success, Accounting, and Treasury teams to ensure aligned processes
• Identify and lead initiatives around automation, digital transformation, and vendor optimization
• Maintain and enhance internal controls and SOX compliance
• Support M&A integrations and transitions

Payroll Operations

• Oversee accurate processing and auditing of U.S. semi-monthly payroll (400+ employees across 20+ states)
• Manage international payroll (currently ~50 employees in the UK and Netherlands) via third-party providers — with the goal of bringing some operations in-house
• Review payroll inputs: new hires, pay changes, garnishments, HSA contributions, 401(k) true-ups, etc.
• Ensure timely and accurate tax filings, reconciliations, and reporting
• Set up tax compliance across new jurisdictions, working directly with U.S. and international tax authorities
• Advise on taxation of benefits, bonuses, and equity-based compensation
• Develop ad hoc reporting and financial/payroll analytics
• Collaborate on benefit deduction schedules, stock compensation, and global compliance matters
• Support internal/external audits and drive continuous improvement of SOPs and manuals

 
Required Qualifications

• 10+ years of California payroll experience; 5+ years in a people management role
• Deep expertise in international payroll compliance , beyond Mexico and Canada
• Workday Payroll experience is required
• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, accounting, or 10+ years of equivalent experience
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) preferred; international payroll certification preferred
• Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, macros, etc.)
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels of the organization
• Experience navigating ambiguity and leading cross-functional collaboration
• Previous experience in vendor transitions, global expansion, or M&A preferred

 
Benefits Summary

• Excellent healthcare, dental, and vision for employees and eligible dependents
• 401(k) with 50% company match on up to 6% of eligible compensation
• 12 paid holidays, monthly PTO accrual, and paid volunteer time
• Wellness, financial, and lifestyle benefits supporting work-life balance

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco/Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to the individual’s skill sets, experience and training, licensure and certifications, office location and other geographic considerations, as well as other business and organizational needs. With that said, as required by local law in geographies that require salary range disclosure, Vaco/Highspring notes the salary range for the role is noted in this job posting. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, and can participate in medical, dental, and vision benefits as well as the company’s 401(k) retirement plan.

Vaco by Highspring values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

EEO Notice

Vaco by Highspring is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by federal, state or local law.

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact HR@vaco.com .

Vaco by Highspring also wants all applicants to know their rights that workplace discrimination is illegal .

By submitting to this position, you agree that you will be giving Vaco by Highspring the exclusive right to present your as a candidate for the foregoing employment opportunity. You further agree that you have represented information about yourself accurately and have not affirmatively misrepresented your qualifications. You also agree to maintain as confidential, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any information you learn from Vaco by Highspring about the position and you will limit disclosure of information about the position only to the extent necessary to perform any obligations in furtherance of your application. In exchange, Vaco by Highspring agrees to exercise reasonable efforts to represent you through all solicitation, job screening and resume dispersal.

Privacy Notice

Vaco by Highspring and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries (“we,” “our,” or “Vaco by Highspring”) respects your privacy and are committed to providing transparent notice of our policies.

• California residents may access Vaco by Highspring HR Notice at Collection for California Applicants and Employees here .
• Virginia residents may access our state specific policies here .
• Residents of all other states may access our policies here .
• Canadian residents may access our policies in English here and in French here .
• Residents of countries governed by GDPR may access our policies here .

Pay Transparency Notice

Determining compensation for this role (and others) at Vaco by Highspring depends upon a wide array of factors including but not limited to:

• the individual’s skill sets, experience and training;
• licensure and certification requirements;
• office location and other geographic considerations;
• other business and organizational needs.

With that said, as required by local law, Vaco by Highspring believes that the following salary range referenced above reasonably estimates the base compensation for an individual hired into this position in geographies that require salary range disclosure. The individual may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses.

Job Tags

Full time, Work at office, Local area,

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