Director, Payroll

Join Our Team!
Sunbelt Rentals strives to be the customer's first choice in the equipment rental industry. From pumps to scaffolding to general construction tools, we aim to be the only call needed to outfit a job site with the proper equipment. Not only do we offer a vast fleet that ranks among the best in the industry, we pair it all with a friendly and knowledgeable staff. Our employees are our greatest asset, and although we present a comprehensive equipment offering, our expertise and service are what truly distinguish us from the competition.
We pride ourselves on investing in our workforce and offer competitive benefits, as well as extensive on-the-job training for all eligible employees.
As a highly successful national company, we are constantly looking for talented individuals to support our growth. If you are interested in pursuing a rewarding career, we invite you to review our opportunities!
Job Description Summary
Position Summary
The Director of Payroll is responsible for the strategic leadership, governance, compliance, and operational execution of payroll functions across the organization. This role ensures the accurate and timely payment of employees while maintaining compliance with federal, state, local, and union labor requirements. The Director will lead payroll operations, payroll tax administration, regulatory compliance, payroll systems, internal controls, and continuous process improvement initiatives.
The ideal candidate possesses deep expertise in union payroll administration, wage and hour compliance, payroll taxation, collective bargaining agreement administration, and payroll governance within a complex, multi-state environment.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Leadership & Operations
Direct and oversee payroll operations for exempt, non-exempt, union, and salaried employees.
Ensure accurate and timely processing of multiple regular and off-cycle payrolls.
Develop and execute payroll strategies that support organizational objectives and workforce growth
Establish payroll policies, procedures, and service standards to ensure operational excellence, as well as process and system optimization.
Lead payroll team development, performance management, succession planning, and organizational capability building.
Union & Labor Payroll Administration
Ensure compliance with collective bargaining agreements across multiple bargaining units.
Interpret and administer contractual pay provisions.
Partner with Labor Relations and HR to support contract negotiations and implementation of payroll-related provisions.
Conduct impact analyses of proposed labor contract changes and collective bargaining agreements.
Compliance & Risk Management
Ensure compliance with all applicable payroll regulations.
Maintain compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) controls and internal audit requirements.
Develop, document, and monitor payroll controls to mitigate compliance and financial risk.
Serve as the primary payroll contact for internal and external audits.
Payroll Tax & Regulatory Administration
Oversee withholding, reporting, and remittance of federal, state, and local payroll taxes.
Ensure timely and accurate preparation and filing of tax documents, including Forms W-2 and related reporting requirements.
Manage payroll tax audits, inquiries, and notices.
Monitor regulatory changes and implement process updates to maintain compliance.
Systems, Technology & Process Improvement
Provide strategic oversight for payroll systems, integrations, and related technologies.
Partner with HRIS, Finance, IT, and external vendors to optimize payroll operations.
Lead payroll transformation initiatives, automation efforts, and technology implementations.
Ensure data integrity across payroll, HR, timekeeping, workforce management, and benefits systems.
Develop metrics, dashboards, and reporting to monitor payroll performance and compliance.
Financial Controls & Governance
Maintain strong payroll governance and internal control frameworks.
Reconcile payroll-related accounts and ensure financial accuracy.
Partner with Finance and Accounting teams on accruals, audits, and financial reporting activities.
Manage payroll service providers and third-party vendor relationships.
Stakeholder Partnership
Collaborate with HR, Labor Relations, Benefits, Legal, Finance, Workforce Management, and Operations leaders.
Provide executive leadership with payroll compliance insights, operational metrics, and workforce cost analysis.
Support mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and organizational restructuring efforts related to payroll.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or related field required.
8-10 years of progressive payroll leadership experience.
3-5 years leading managers and payroll teams in a large, complex organization.
Demonstrated experience administering payroll in unionized environments.
Experience supporting organizations with multi-state payroll operations.
Experience with payroll audits, SOX controls, and regulatory compliance.
Experience with Workday Payroll, Oracle, UKG, ADP, or similar enterprise payroll platforms.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Deep understanding of payroll regulations and labor laws.
Extensive knowledge of collective bargaining agreement administration.
Expertise in FLSA and wage and hour compliance.
Strong knowledge of payroll tax regulations and reporting requirements.
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain effective internal controls.
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management skills.
Proven experience leading large-scale payroll process improvements and technology implementations.
Preferred Certifications
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Workday Payroll/HCM Knowledge
Knowledge of Canadian Payroll
Base Pay Range: $146,880.00 - 201,960.00
Starting rate of pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, position offered, location, education, training, and/or experience. Please visit https://www.sunbeltrentals.com/careers/ for more information on our benefits and to join our Talent Network.
Sunbelt also provides a comprehensive benefits package to its full-time employees. This package includes:
Health, Dental and Vision plans
401(k) Match
Volunteer time off
Short-term and long-term disability
Accident, Life and Travel insurance, as well as flexible spending
Tuition Reimbursement Options
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Length of Service Awards
You will become eligible for benefits on the first of the month following 30 days from your start date.
Flex Time for Leaders
At Sunbelt Rentals our leaders including District Managers and above enjoy the freedom of Flex Time. It is not about tracking hours, it is about delivering great work and having the flexibility to recharge when you need it. Flex Time can be used for vacation, personal needs, or time covered by paid sick or safe leave laws. It is a simple way to balance life while keeping our business goals moving forward.
Gear up for an exciting career!
Sunbelt Rentals supports service members. Veterans encouraged to apply.