Director of Payroll
Posted 2025-04-06Description
The Director of Payroll will oversee all payroll operations for Lark's properties across North America, with a specific focus on operations in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This position requires expertise in multi-country payroll processing, compliance, and team leadership. They are responsible for ensuring accuracy, compliance, and strategic financial management, and will oversee and manage the payroll/accounting analytics function for Lark and its affiliated properties. This role ensures accurate and timely flow of data from payroll to accounting, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and effective management of payroll-related systems and processes.
They are responsible for performing a variety of complex administrative, technical, and professional work in Payroll and Accounting systems (UKG/HIA). They partner with accounting to investigate and reconcile payroll discrepancies as they relate to the General Ledger; research, resolve, and respond to tax notifications regarding discrepancies; take part in streamlining and optimizing HR and Accounting connectivity between our payroll provider, UKG, and accounting platform, HIA, to ensure accurate and timely data is being transferred correctly. (Investigate and resolve discrepancies.) They provide guidance and training to our users.
Website: https://www.larkhospitality.com/
Residing in or around Portland, Maine would be preferred.
Responsibilities
Payroll Administration:
 Ensure compliance with federal, state/provincial, and local wage and hour laws across the US, Mexico, and Canada
 Manage the end-to-end payroll process for 1000+ employees, including data collection, payroll calculations, and distribution of paychecks
Compliance and Reporting:
 Develop and create reports in UKG's BI (Business Intelligence) to enhance compliance and knowledge of available information and provide statistical information to help analyze payroll costs
 Stay abreast of regulatory, federal, state, and local tax changes and labor laws. Provide insights and recommendations regarding industry best practices in payroll
 Prepare and submit all required tax filings and reports, including W-2s and other payroll-related documentation
System Management:
 Drive process improvement initiatives to streamline and optimize workflows and systems in payroll operations, including supporting payroll accounting across UKG (our payroll provider) and HIA (our accounting platform)
 Set up new hotels in UKG: banking, earnings codes, deduction codes, job codes as needed
 Oversee the payroll software and systems, ensuring they are functioning correctly and efficiently
 Implement and manage payroll system upgrades or changes, coordinating with payroll software providers and HR teams
Team Management:
 Supervise and mentor HR Generalists, providing training and support as needed
 Conduct performance evaluations and assist with career development for team members
Employee Support:
 Address and resolve employee payroll inquiries and issues, providing exceptional customer service
 Ensure proper handling of payroll-related changes, including new hires, terminations, and status changes
 Coordinate with HR to manage employee benefits and deductions effectively
Documentation and Record Keeping:
 Maintain accurate and up-to-date payroll records and documentation
 Ensure proper retention and security of payroll data, adhering to company policies and legal requirements
Qualifications
 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 5+ years in a leadership role
 Demonstrated experience processing payroll in the US, Mexico, and Canada
 Strong understanding of payroll tax laws and regulations in the US, Mexico, and Canada
 Experience and knowledge of accounting platforms such as ADP, UKG, HIA, etc.
 Experience with multi-state and multi-property payroll processing
 Advanced Excel and financial reporting skills
 Advanced proficiency in payroll software and HRIS systems
 Experience in the hospitality industry is highly desirable
 Degree in Accounting, Finance,or Business Administration, and/or licensed as a Certified Payroll Professional with strong knowledge of accounting & payroll compliance is preferred
 Fluency in English and Spanish language skills preferred
 A combination of education, training, and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential job functions of this position will be considered
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