Payroll Director

Position Summary:

Manages the payroll shared service function and supports system users for domestic and international subsidiaries. Provides direction and assistance to department staff regarding payroll processes with an overarching focus on building individuals' skill sets and advancing their careers. Leads projects and corporate initiatives affecting the payroll department. Builds and implements strategies to improve payroll process efficiency and accuracy. Is responsible for all aspects of the payroll cycle, ensuring pay is processed on time, accurately, and in compliance with government, state, and local regulations. Leads the payroll team to resolve any payroll concerns and provide premium service to employees.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement payroll policies and procedures in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. Review updated payroll desk manuals and standard operating procedures with the Associate Manager for completeness and accuracy. Review necessary updates to payroll rules in the payroll/timekeeping system (performed by the Associate Manager), such as changes in payroll schedules and updates in payroll reporting compliance with regulatory agencies.
• Build short-term and long-term strategies and lead the implementation process to improve payroll efficiency and accuracy. This includes proactively driving advanced technologies, setting high standards, and executing best practices.
• Oversee the processing of payroll for all employees, including managing domestic and international payroll and ensuring the timely transmission of payroll files to third-party payroll providers (e.g. ADP and Ceridian). Provide guidance and support to all payroll staff on payroll methods and procedures, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the process.
• Manage the month-end close process of payroll processing, including the review and posting of journal entries (e.g. monthly payroll posting by department, vacation liability accruals, Ontario sick pay adjustments, payroll cash payment/bank reconciliation, reclassifications, and other routine journals as deemed necessary). Ensure that all steps in the month-end close process are completed by each team member, and that deadlines are met in the record-to-report continuum.
• Supervise US W-2 and Canadian T-4 yearly tax filings, ensuring that submissions are filed in a timely manner. Stay abreast of upcoming government deadlines and filing changes.
• Be an exemplary business partner to Human Resources, Corporate Management, Plant Controllers, and other leaders in the organization. Resolve issues in a timely manner and provide premium payroll service to employees. Develop and maintain relationships with external payroll vendors and other third-party service providers.
• Drive payroll projects and support programs that may have a payroll impact. Serve as the functional owner of various systems, such as ADP and the time tracking system.
• Lead and develop the payroll team, building stable team structures. Ensure talent development and guide career paths for team members.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in accounting or finance or equivalent experience, including 10+ years of multi-state full cycle payroll experience and 5+ year experience in leading payroll team required.
• Must have a working knowledge of payroll compliance requirements.
• Ability to travel 5%.
• CPP Certificate preferred.        
• Ceridian and ADP systems knowledge preferred.
• HRIS system knowledge is highly desirable (i.e. SuccessFactors, WorkDay, Kronos, etc.).
• Canada and Mexico payroll strongly preferred.
• Experience partnering with IT on various transformational or system implementation, including ongoing support is highly desired.
• Manufacturing industry, including exempt, non-exempt employee processing and CBA experience a plus.
• MBA or MS degree preferred.
• Bi-lingual in Spanish a plus.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Through knowledge of payroll processing requirements and excellent communication skills.        
• Ability to perform arithmetical and algebraic calculations to perform payroll activities.
• Ability to accurately interpret and apply policies, procedures, and laws related to payroll activities.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office products.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to deal courteously and effectively in sensitive and confidential issues by telephone, in writing, and in face-to-face contacts with employees at all levels.   
• Strong customer service orientation.     
• Desire to create and implement process improvement initiatives.

Why Join Us:

Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:​

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees​
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)​
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays​
• Employee Appreciation Events​ and Employee Assistance Programs
• Salary Base Range of $137,000 – $181,400 for Employees Located in California*
• Annual bonus (based on the incentive program terms and conditions)