Leading publicly traded company in Los Angeles (position can be based in New York as well)  is looking for a sharp Payroll Director/VP level candidate. The Global Payroll Director/VP will be responsible for leading and managing all aspects of Payroll globally and supporting the strategic payroll needs of a company experiencing high growth.

These responsibilities will include management of all day-to-day global payroll operations and activities for all US and international regions, ensuring compliance with company policies and statutory regulations. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing exceptional client service to the global employee population, promptly addressing all related queries and concerns, and streamlining and improving our payroll and accounting processes to ensure top notch services. The successful candidate will be instrumental in identifying strategic initiatives to support changing payroll tax regulations for existing locations and future growth and expansion into new states/countries. The individual will be responsible for managing multiple vendor relationships, internal and external auditors and payroll and tax providers. The ideal candidate will also effectively interface and liaise with other Human Resources leaders, Finance & Accounting, Tax and Legal team members to ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory, accounting, tax and internal requirements.

Responsibilities:
· Manage a team processing domestic and international payroll cycles and related documentation (i.e., W-2’s, state withholding forms, reports, payroll registers, etc.), in compliance with federal, multi-state, and country-specific laws
· Oversee administration related to company’s timekeeping system
· Provide direct reports with coaching and development opportunities, and address performance issues as appropriate
· Partner with the Finance & Accounting team to post journal entries and coordinate payroll accounting reconciliations
· Evaluate and analyze existing payroll policies and procedures and implement changes and/or quality control measures 
· In collaboration with Human Resources function, ensure Payroll/HRIS systems are set up and updated to reflect current employee data, including wages, deductions, time-off accruals, garnishments, etc.
· Manage the regular preparation of relevant management reports, including bi-weekly, monthly, quarterly and year-end reports (gross payroll, hours worked, time-off benefit accruals, tax deductions, benefit deductions, etc.)
· Oversee the calculation and processing of special checks and wire transfers; reviewing, editing, and making corrections and adjustments as needed
· Ensure compliance with all applicable country, federal, state and local regulatory reporting requirements and guidelines, and compliance with all internal Policies and Procedures and internal controls
· Maintain knowledge of existing and new payroll related legislation; enforce adherence to requirements and advise management on needed actions
· Maintain confidentiality of sensitive employee data; ensure all payroll information, files and records are maintained in accordance with federal, state and local regulations
· Assist in the completion of internal and external payroll tax and accounting audits
· Play a critical role in planning and executing the strategic direction and initiatives for the payroll function, including process efficiencies and system enhancements

 Education:
· Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business Administration or Accounting
· Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred

Experience Required:
· Minimum of 10 years of payroll processing experience in a global payroll / accounting environment
· Minimum of 5 years of payroll and team management experience
· Proven track record in managing a team required
· International payroll experience required
· Knowledge of multi-jurisdictional tax reporting is required
· Payroll Accounting experience preferred
· Good knowledge of Microsoft products required
· Experience with Workday preferred