Director-Compensation and Compliance Reporting

Overview

POSITION TITLE (Oracle title)

DIRECTOR

WORKING TITLE

Director-Compensation and Compliance Reporting

SCHOOL/DEPARTMENT

Compensation Services

LOCATION

Crossroads III, Cary, NC

PAY GRADE

Director Band 2

FLSA STATUS

Exempt

ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT

No

WORK WEEK SCHEDULE

Monday-Friday (occasional evenings and weekends) Position is available for a hybrid telework workweek

POSITION PURPOSE:

Responsible for overseeing the accurate, timely processing and reporting of payroll for approximately 26,000 employees within the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS). Ensures strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulations while driving initiatives related to technical processing, data validation, and financial reconciliation. Plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization's mission by leading efficient, compliant, and data-driven payroll operations that support both organizational goals and employee satisfaction.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES (KSAs)

• Extensive knowledge of compensation structures, salary administration, and benefit plans;
• Extensive knowledge of financial reporting, accounting principles related to payroll, tax reporting, benefits administration, and best practices for handling confidential data, ensuring compliance with evolving legal and regulatory requirements;
• Comprehensive knowledge of HRIS platforms used for compensation management, reporting, and analysis;
• Considerable knowledge of salary surveys, compensation trends, and competitive analysis within various industries;
• Considerable knowledge of Microsoft Office, specifically Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; Google Apps;
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local tax laws, wage and hour laws (such as the Fair Labor Standards Act), and other regulations impacting payroll administration;
• Knowledge of how to analyze compensation data and produce meaningful reports for senior leadership;
• Critical thinking and problem-solving skills;
• Strong research and analysis skills;
• Ability to develop short and long-term initiatives;
• Ability to complete complex tasks and minimize errors with attention to detail;
• Ability to work independently and complete tasks in the absence of clear direction;
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both in oral and written form using a variety of communication techniques and tools to ensure the appropriate flow of information, collaborative efforts, and feedback;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school officials, administrators, teachers, support staff, vendors, and federal and state contacts.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in accounting, business administration, or a related field; AND
• Seven years of related experience; AND
• Evidence of successful administrative/leadership experience;
• Other combinations of applicable education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

• Must hold and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license according to the State of NC requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's in business administration (MBA), Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), and/or other human resource and benefits related certifications;
• Experience working with Oracle-based accounting or payroll and benefits systems;
• Knowledge of North Carolina Retirement Plans and employer reporting requirements;
• Extensive knowledge of WCPSS or other state agency benefit offerings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Leads, supervises, and evaluates the Reporting team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and high-performance customer service.
2. Coordinates payroll processing in collaboration with the Payroll Operations Director, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing, compliance, and financial reporting.
3. Validates and manages data loads in Oracle databases, ensuring seamless payroll processing, reporting, and financial analysis. Conducts testing of system updates, software patches, and payroll tax changes to maintain compliance and functionality.
4. Directs the monthly reconciliation of employee deductions and oversees the review and approval of tax deposit requests, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
5. Develops, refines, and implements payroll procedures, assesses system enhancements, and executes regulatory updates to improve operational efficiency. Supports the Senior Director in identifying and implementing process modifications.
6. Analyzes and interprets IRS tax codes, labor laws, and compensation-related regulations to ensure compliance. Manages overpayment recovery and coordinates with the Compensation Services attorney on audits and legal matters.
7. Provides guidance on payroll procedural and technical concerns, addressing employee inquiries regarding tax withholdings, retirement deductions, and payroll discrepancies to ensure timely and accurate resolutions.
8. Assists with month-end payroll reconciliations and ensure payroll-related financial records are accurate and complete.
9. Reconciles and submits quarterly and year-end federal and state tax returns while overseeing the preparation, validation, and distribution of W-2s, 1095s, and other employee tax documents.
10. Projects, reconciles, and processes unemployment insurance payments in accordance with state and federal guidelines while ensuring adherence to DPI reporting requirements.
11. Leads testing and implementation of payroll system updates, enhancements, and software patches to optimize payroll operations and maintain compliance.
12. Manages relationships with external vendors, agencies, and regulatory bodies, ensuring accurate reporting and compliance with payroll-related agreements.
13. Performs additional responsibilities, as needed, to support the effective and compliant administration of payroll operations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This job operates in a professional office environment and has a noise level of mostly low to moderate. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, scanners, and copiers. The position, at times, must be able to come into direct contact with school system staff, staff members of external funding agencies, and the community. Work is considered light physical work, requiring the exertion of up to ten pounds of force. The work frequently requires driving automotive equipment.

EFFECTIVE DATE: 5/2025

DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required by the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by HR and approved at any time.