Senior Accounting Manager
June 5, 2025Controller
June 16, 202510217: Director, Payroll & Benefits
Reports To: Chief Human Resources Officer (Future: Executive Leadership Role – VP, Human Resources)
Location: Austin, TX |
Position Summary:
The Director of Payroll & Benefits provides leadership and operational oversight for payroll processing, payroll accounting, and benefits administration for our client and its affiliated associations. This role manages a team responsible for payroll execution, compliance, accounting, and process integrity for approximately 1,900 employees across 220+ locations. The Director serves as the key liaison with the third-party payroll provider and Oracle system owner, driving operational excellence, issue resolution, and process standardization.
In addition to stabilizing and improving payroll operations, this role leads the development and enhancement of employee benefits communications and processes for the entire district, utilizing data to support program effectiveness and employee engagement.
This position is designed as a succession role for future elevation to Vice President, Human Resources, with expanded oversight of all HR functions after demonstrating success in payroll transformation, benefits modernization, and organizational alignment initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
Payroll Leadership & Transformation
- Directs all payroll operations for the Bank and supports 13 independent associations using a shared payroll platform, processing pay for ~1,900 employees.
- Oversees relationships and issue management with affiliate, ensuring timely, accurate payroll execution, system configuration integrity, and escalation resolution.
- Leads improvements to payroll processes, controls, documentation, and training for both internal staff and association teams.
- Supervises the Payroll Accounting Manager, Payroll Administrator, and Payroll Accountant, providing direction, development, and performance management.
- Drives the 2025 migration to transactional payroll access, transitioning payroll data entry responsibilities from affiliate and association staff, enhancing process ownership, accuracy, and responsiveness.
- Implements improved issue tracking and reporting processes to strengthen accountability, escalation paths, and data visibility.
- Ensures compliance with internal controls (ICFR), regulatory requirements, and audit standards for all payroll and payroll-related accounting activities.
- Partners with Accounting leadership on GL reconciliations, variance resolution, and payroll-related financial processes.
Benefits Administration & District-Wide Expansion
- Leads the Bank’s benefits programs, including health, welfare, retirement, and wellness offerings, ensuring compliance, cost-effectiveness, and competitiveness.
- Develops and implements district-wide benefits communication strategies to enhance employee understanding, engagement, and utilization.
- Uses data and reporting to assess benefit program effectiveness and recommend plan design enhancements in collaboration with vendors and district stakeholders.
- Provides consultation and support to association leadership and HR teams to promote consistency and best practices in benefits administration.
- Partners with CHRO to drive benefits program alignment across the district, leveraging economies of scale, data, and employee feedback.
Organizational Impact & Future Expansion to HR VP Role
- Builds credibility through operational excellence, large-scale process improvements, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Drives alignment across HR, payroll, benefits, and accounting functions to support organizational efficiency and employee experience.
- Prepares for future oversight of broader HR functions, including employee engagement, recruitment, talent development, performance management, and workforce strategy.
- Develops relationships with association executives, board members, and external vendors, positioning the role for succession to VP, HR.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
- 8+ years of progressive payroll, benefits, or HR leadership experience, with a minimum of 5 years managing payroll accounting or payroll operations in complex, multi-entity environments.
- Experience overseeing third-party payroll providers; Oracle or similar systems knowledge required.
- Demonstrated success in benefits administration, employee communications, and data-driven program improvement.
- Proven ability to lead large-scale projects, including system migrations, process transitions, or organizational change initiatives.
- Strong understanding of payroll controls, GL processes, ICFR requirements, and regulatory compliance.
- Exceptional leadership, collaboration, and communication skills; ability to influence at all levels.
- CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or relevant HR/Benefits certifications preferred.
Success Factors:
- Executes with precision and accountability, building trust with executives, associations, and employees.
- Operates with a strategic mindset, balancing daily operations with long-term improvements.
- Builds high-performing teams, fosters collaboration, and develops talent for future growth.
- Comfortable leading in a complex, decentralized environment with independent stakeholders.
- Demonstrates readiness to expand into broader HR leadership based on performance and organizational needs.