Director, Payroll

Smartsheet is looking for a strategic and forward-thinking leader to join us as a Director, Payroll. In this role, you’ll own, improve, and manage global payroll processes. 

Leading a global team, you’ll shape our approach to the payroll process, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver payroll for all employees, supporting the company’s rapid growth and global expansion. This role requires strong leadership skills, extensive knowledge of global payroll practices, and the ability to navigate complex payroll landscapes.

You’ll report to our VP, Accounting Transformation & IA

You Will:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing global payroll team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accuracy, and exceptional service
• Set strategic goals and objectives for the payroll department, ensuring alignment with the company's overall business strategy and operational demands
• Develop strong stakeholder relationships and maintain a reputation as a team that ensures cross-functional collaboration
• Oversee the end-to-end processing of complex multi-state and international payrolls, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with diverse global regulation
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, local, and international payroll laws and regulations, including timely filing of all payroll tax returns, W-2s, and equivalent international tax documentation
• Proactively monitor and adapt to changes in payroll laws and regulations globally, implementing necessary updates to systems and processes
• Prepare and analyze comprehensive payroll reports for management, finance, and other stakeholders, providing actionable insights
• Lead the evaluation, selection, implementation, and optimization of payroll systems, with significant experience in ADP or similar large-scale payroll software (e.g., Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, Ceridian Dayforce)
• Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, and IT departments to streamline processes, integrate systems, and enhance the overall employee experience
• Drive special projects related to payroll, such as system migrations, new country expansions, or M&A integrations
• Act as the primary point of contact for complex payroll-related inquiries from senior leaders, employees and managers across all levels and regions
• Resolve escalated payroll issues in a timely, accurate, and professional manner, maintaining high employee satisfaction.

You Have:

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field. A Master's degree or relevant advanced certification is a bonus
• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 5 years in a leadership or management role, preferably within a SAAS or high-growth global technology company
• Extensive hands-on experience with the implementation, configuration, and optimization of major global payroll systems (e.g., ADP Workforce Now, ADP Global Payroll, Workday Payroll, SAP SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll, etc.)
• Demonstrated expertise in managing international payroll operations across multiple countries, including understanding of global tax implications and compliance requirements
• Proven track record of building, managing, and developing a high-performing payroll team
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) is highly preferred. Global Payroll Management Certificate (GPMI) is a strong asset
• In-depth knowledge of federal, state, local, and international payroll laws and regulations
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across all levels of the organization
• Superior attention to detail, accuracy, and a strong commitment to data integrity
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, capable of navigating complex payroll scenarios in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Ability to handle highly confidential information with the utmost discretion and integrity
• Experience with AI or the willingness to assess and leverage AI as applicable
• Candidates based within commuting distance of Smartsheet’s Bellevue office