Associate Director of Payroll - Temp to Hire

The Temporary Associate Director of Payroll oversees accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing during a period of transition. This role works closely with Finance and Human Resources to ensure payroll continuity and to implement short‑term operational improvements.

Client Details

Our client is a well‑established organization in the independent education and nonprofit sector, supporting a diverse workforce of faculty, administrators, and staff. The organization values collaboration, professionalism, and strong operational practices across its finance and people functions.

Description

• Manage full‑cycle semi‑monthly payroll processing, including salaries, benefits, taxes, garnishments, and deductions
• Maintain payroll systems and internal controls to ensure timely and accurate payroll delivery
• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll and wage/hour regulations
• Partner with Human Resources to ensure employee data and benefit deductions are accurately maintained in the payroll system
• Review and reconcile quarterly and annual payroll tax filings and payroll records
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll‑related employee inquiries, providing clear and customer‑focused support
• Collaborate with Finance to ensure accurate payroll accounting and reconciliation within the financial system and to support reporting needs
• Support internal and external audits and assist with the implementation of audit recommendations
• Establish or document payroll protocols related to new benefits or collective bargaining agreements, as needed
• Identify and implement immediate payroll process improvements in collaboration with HR, Finance, and IT
• Foster positive working relationships across teams and contribute to a collaborative onsite work environment
• Perform additional payroll‑related duties and projects as required during the assignment

Profile

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience
• CPP or FPC certification preferred
• Minimum of 7 years of payroll or fiscal operations experience; leadership experience strongly preferred
• Experience in education, nonprofit, or unionised environments preferred
• 5-7 years of hands‑on experience with ADP Workforce Now or similar payroll/HRIS platforms
• Strong knowledge of New York payroll laws, wage/hour regulations, and IRS requirements
• Experience with benefits administration and payroll deduction integration
• Highly detail‑oriented with strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills
• Advanced Excel or payroll reporting experience is a plus
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain payroll matters clearly to a broad employee population
• Demonstrated discretion and integrity when handling confidential information
• Calm, adaptable, and effective in a deadline‑driven, onsite environment

Job Offer

• Competitive hourly compensation, commensurate with experience
• Full‑time temporary assignment with a 40‑hour work week
• Five days onsite, providing consistency and strong team integration
• Opportunity to step into a senior payroll leadership role with immediate organizational impact
• Temp to hire opportunity

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual's status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.