Director, Firmwide Payroll

Known for being a great place to work and build a career, KPMG provides audit, tax and advisory services for organizations in today’s most important industries. Our growth is driven by delivering real results for our clients. It’s also enabled by our culture, which encourages individual development, embraces an inclusive environment, rewards innovative excellence and supports our communities. With qualities like those, it’s no wonder we’re consistently ranked among the best companies to work for by Fortune Magazine, Consulting Magazine, Seramount, Fair360 and others. If you’re as passionate about your future as we are, join our team.

KPMG is currently seeking a Director, Firmwide Payroll to join our Finance & Accounting team.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute the long-term payroll strategy, optimizing the balance between internal operations, third-party service providers, and emerging AI-driven solutions to improve efficiency and scalability

Lead and oversee all payroll operations including a partnership with Talent & Culture leadership to ensure accurate and timely processing of employee compensation while maintaining compliance across all applicable federal, state, local, and international jurisdictions

Serve as the firm's senior payroll subject matter expert, providing strategic guidance, resolving complex payroll matters, and advising executive leadership on payroll-related risks and decisions

Maintain overall accountability for payroll tax compliance, ensuring adherence to all regulatory requirements and proactively managing audit readiness and risk mitigation efforts

Drive payroll transformation initiatives by sponsoring automation, agentic AI, and digital innovation programs that enhance operational effectiveness, accuracy, and employee experience

Build and develop a high-performing payroll leadership team by fostering talent growth, strengthening succession planning, managing performance, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement and operational excellence

Act with integrity, professionalism, and personal responsibility to uphold KPMG’s respectful and courteous work environment

Qualifications

Minimum ten years of recent progressive leadership experience in a large-scale, multi-state payroll, tax, finance, or shared services environment, with responsibility for leading complex operations and enterprise-wide initiatives

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in accounting, finance, business administration is preferred; CPA is preferred; minimum of a high school diploma or GED required

Ability to leverage tools such as Excel, Power BI, Tableau, and SQL to drive strategic decision-making as well as developing and utilizing AI agents; demonstrated success developing and executing strategic roadmaps for payroll and tax functions, including AI adoption, automation, process optimization, and large-scale transformation initiatives

Deep expertise in payroll tax regulations, compliance requirements, payroll processing, reporting, risk management, and payroll technology platforms, with authoritative knowledge of payroll tax laws and related controls; strong knowledge of global payroll operations, including expatriate and inpatriate processing, shadow payrolls, tax equalization programs, garnishments, and related policies and procedures

Extensive hands-on experience with PeopleSoft, SuccessFactors, and/or WorkDay payroll systems including system administration, process enhancement, troubleshooting, continuous improvement, and operational excellence

Advanced leadership, analytical, and communication skills with the ability to influence senior executives, lead cross-functional teams, manage global payroll complexities, allocate resources effectively

Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. without the need for employment-based visa sponsorship now or in the future; KPMG LLP will not sponsor applicants for U.S. work visa status for this opportunity (no sponsorship is available for H-1B, L-1, TN, O-1, E-3, H-1B1, F-1, J-1, OPT, CPT or any other employment-based visa

For this current opening, our target hiring salary range is $140000 to $230000 based on the immediate requirements and scope of the role. The current full market salary range for this job level is disclosed below. This broader range represents potential future income growth available over the course of a career in this position. Potential income growth is determined based on relevant factors such as skills, performance, job responsibilities, experience, certain degrees and certifications, and market considerations.

KPMG LLP and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("KPMG") is an equal opportunity employer. KPMG complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding recruitment and hiring. All qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race/ethnicity, color, creed, religion, age, sex/gender, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, childbirth or other related condition, military/veteran status, genetic information, status as a victim of domestic violence or sexual abuse or any other legally protected status.

The attached link contains further information regarding the firm's compliance with federal, state, and local recruitment and hiring laws.

KPMG recruits on a rolling basis. Candidates are considered as they apply, until the opportunity is filled. Candidates are encouraged to apply expeditiously to any role(s) for which they are qualified that is also of interest to them.

Los Angeles County applicants: Material job duties for this position are listed above. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness, and safeguard business operations and company reputation.

Pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.