Director of Payroll Finance Controllers Office

Organization Overview

The Finance Department of the University encompasses the Controller's Office and the Office of Budget, Treasury, and Research Administration. These offices are dedicated to ensuring the integrity of data submitted, recorded, and reported and to providing the highest level of financial services in support of the University's mission in Biomedical Research. Our passion is working together and collaborating with our Laboratories and Departments to reduce administrative burden on faculty and staff so that they can focus on our mission: science for the benefit of humanity. We strive to be a trusted and innovative partner delivering exemplary administrative services in support of the RU community.
Overview

The Director of Payroll will lead and manage all aspects of the payroll function for a diverse workforce at a world renowned not-for-profit higher education institution. This role ensures timely and accurate processing of payroll for domestic and international employees, while maintaining full compliance with U.S. federal, state, and local tax regulations, as well as U.S. tax laws applicable to foreign nationals. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of multi-jurisdictional payroll operations, including the tax implications for foreign nationals working in the U.S. This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role is responsible for payroll compliance, process improvement, systems management, and team development.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Lead the end-to-end payroll processing for U.S. and international employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.
• Interpret and apply U.S. tax code, including FICA and state/local taxes, as well as international tax treaties and residency requirements. Ensure compliance with IRS regulations, DOL rules, and U.S. employment tax laws related to foreign nationals. Oversee tax reporting and filing requirements, including W-2, 1042-S, 941, and other required federal & state payroll documents. Develop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and controls in alignment with institutional and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with Human Resources to support international assignments serving as a subject matter expert on payroll tax implications for visa holders (e.g., F-1, J-1, H-1B), nonresident aliens, and treaty benefits.
• Manage the relationship with a third-party payroll provider and tax consultants. Lead the implementation, upgrade, and optimization of payroll systems and integrations with HRIS and financial platforms.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing payroll team, fostering a culture of accuracy, compliance, and service excellence.
• Prepare reports and analyses for internal stakeholders and regulatory audits. Continuously monitor the effectiveness of existing technology and systems to ensure applicability and usefulness of systems.
• Additional duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related field is required. Must possess a minimum of eight (8) years of progressive payroll experience, including at least three (3) years in a leadership role.
• Must be highly proficient and experienced using Oracle Payroll.
• Possess a strong knowledge of U.S. payroll laws and foreign national taxation (e.g., nonresident alien taxation, tax treaties). Familiarity with multi-state payroll processing and payroll compliance is required.
• Prior experience working with not-for-profit institutions or mission-driven organizations is required.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy. Strong leadership, communication, written and interpersonal skills.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) designation is preferred.
• Prior work experience in educational institutions is highly desired.
• Knowledge of GL integration, payroll accounting, and reporting is a plus.

The Rockefeller University is an equal opportunity employer – veterans/individuals with disabilities. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to characteristics protected by applicable local, state or federal law, including but not limited to disability and protected veteran status.

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on various factors, including but not limited to organizational budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The hiring range provided represents The Rockefeller University's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Compensation Range: Min

USD $150,000.00/Yr.
Compensation Range: Max

USD $165,000.00/Yr.