Payroll Director - Remote

At Rocketship Public Schools, we believe in the infinite possibility of human potential. We believe that every student deserves the right to dream, to discover, and to develop their unique potential and it is our responsibility and our privilege to unleash the potential inside every Rocketeer we serve.

Our non-profit network of public elementary charter schools propels student achievement, develops exceptional educators, and partners with parents who enable high-quality public schools to thrive in their community. We are a collective of parents, teachers, leaders, and students working together to transform the future for underserved communities across our country. At Rocketship Public Schools, we are unleashing potential.

Position Description Reporting directly to the Controller, the Payroll Director plays a pivotal role within Rocketship, overseeing the organizations entire payroll function. This role involves strategic oversight of payroll operations, ensuring efficient and accurate payroll processing for all employees across various states and jurisdictions. The payroll director will manage a team of two to three individuals with functional responsibility over payroll, retirement benefits, and fiscal compliance and reporting.

The following are essential functions related to the position: Strategic Leadership Develop and implement a strategic vision for the payroll department that aligns with Rocketships overall financial and operational goals. Lead the payroll functions integration with broader financial systems to enhance efficiency, compliance, and employee satisfaction.

Payroll Management Oversee the processing of payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness. This includes managing complex payroll requirements in multiple states and under various regulatory environments. Compliance and Controls Ensure that all payroll practices adhere to internal policies, legal standards, and regulatory requirements.

Proactively update and refine payroll processes to meet changing legal landscapes and company growth. Benefits Administration Oversee the administration of employee benefits , insurance & retirement plans, ensuring seamless integration with payroll operations. Work with HR and benefits providers to optimize benefits administration and employee satisfaction.

Team Leadership Lead, mentor, and expand a high-performing payroll team capable of supporting Rocketships growth and complexity. Foster a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and high engagement within the team. Cross Functional Collaboration Act as a primary liaison between the payroll department and other departments such as Accounting, Finance, HR, and Operations.

Facilitate communication and collaboration to ensure payroll and compliance support for all organizational initiatives. Audit and Reporting Lead the payroll departments support for interim and year-end financial audits, ensuring accurate and compliant payroll reporting. Develop and present payroll-related financial reports to senior management, providing insights and recommendations.

Technology and Systems Evaluate, implement, and optimize payroll and HRIS systems to support efficient payroll operations and reporting. Ensure the payroll team is equipped with the necessary tools and training to effectively use technology. Qualifications Bachelors degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.

Advanced degree or certification (e.g., CPA, CPP) preferred. Extensive experience in payroll management, with a proven track record in a leadership role overseeing payroll operations for a multi-state organization. In-depth knowledge of payroll regulations, tax laws, and compliance requirements in multiple states.

Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage and develop a team of payroll professionals. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively interact with all levels of the organization and external partners. Strategic mindset with the ability to drive change and efficiency within the payroll function.

Proficiency in payroll software, HRIS systems, and Microsoft Office Suite. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate with both adults and children. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls.

The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally climb ladders. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate to high. Compensation: Commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus excellent health and wellness benefits, 403b retirement plan, flexible spending account (FSA), and generous paid time off. Rocketship Public Schools provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

Rocketship Public Schools complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Rocketship Public Schools expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. Improper interference with the ability of Rocketship Public Schools’ employees to perform their expected job duties is absolutely not tolerated.