OVERVIEW

Leads payroll operations across our organization, inclusive of our diverse workforce—clinical staff, administrative employees, and Home Health Aides. This newly created role is a unique opportunity to shape the future of payroll at our organization. The Director will be responsible for ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while also driving system optimization, process improvements, and an employee-first service model. As a strategic partner to Finance and HR, this leader will bring strong technical expertise, proven experience in managing payroll operations at scale, and a passion for creating a seamless, positive experience for employees. The role requires a blend of operational excellence, systems savvy, and the ability to translate complex payroll and compliance matters into clear, actionable insights.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field required.
• Advanced degrees or certifications (CPP, SHRM-SCP, CPA) preferred but not mandatory.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• 8–10 years of progressive payroll leadership experience, preferably in large, complex, or unionized organizations.
• Minimum 4 years managing payroll teams, with a track record of operational excellence and system management.
• Experience with payroll systems including Paypro (highly preferred) and Workday ( preferred).ADP experience helpful but optional.
• Proven success collaborating with Finance and HR, managing vendors, and leading cross-functional initiatives.

SKILLS

• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills with the ability to influence across departments.
• Deep expertise in payroll technologies, compliance, and multi-state payroll operations.
• Ability to make complex payroll and compliance matters simple and clear through reporting and employee communication.
• Service-oriented mindset with a demonstrated ability to lead an employee-facing payroll team.

ABOUT US

VNS Health is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit home and community-based health care organizations. Innovating in health care for more than 130 years, our commitment to health and well-being is what drives us — we help people live, age and heal where they feel most comfortable, in their own homes, connected to their family and community. On any given day, more than 10,000 VNS Health team members deliver compassionate care, unparalleled expertise and 24/7 solutions and resources to the more than 43,000 “neighbors” who look to us for care. Powered and informed by data analytics that are unmatched in the home and community-health industry, VNS Health offers a full range of health care services, solutions and health plans designed to simplify the health care experience and meet the diverse and complex needs of the communities and people we serve in New York and beyond

• Strategic Leadership: Set the vision and direction for payroll operations that align with organizational goals, emphasizing accuracy, compliance, efficiency, and employee satisfaction.
• Collaboration: Partner closely with Finance and HR to align payroll with budgeting, benefits, compliance, and workforce strategies.
• Employee Experience: Lead a payroll team that is approachable, responsive, and able to directly support employees with clarity on payroll topics such as taxes, benefits, and policy matters.
• Systems & Reporting: Oversee payroll systems (Workday and Paypro) and drive improvements to enhance integration, reporting, and automation. Prepare simple, clear reporting to explain complex payroll issues to executive and operational leaders.
• Operations Management: Ensure end-to-end payroll execution across multiple pay frequencies, employee types, and geographies, maintaining compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead process reviews and implement data-driven solutions that increase efficiency, scalability, and accuracy across payroll functions.
• People Leadership: Manage and develop payroll managers and specialists across multiple teams, fostering professional growth and succession planning.
• Governance & Risk: Oversee internal controls, payroll tax filings, audits, and reconciliations to ensure compliance and mitigate risks.
  Qualifications