Director Payroll

About the Company:

Founded in 1968, Kustom has spent decades earning a stellar reputation as a nationally acclaimed, industry-leading property restoration firm. We offer unparalleled full-service restoration and emergency services to commercial, industrial, and residential clients. Our legacy is built on innovative thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and a commitment to exceptional service, ensuring that life and business continue smoothly for our clients nationwide.

At Kustom, we unite experts who are driving the industry forward, delivering positive, life-changing outcomes for both commercial and residential customers. We do more than rebuild—we build trust.

Are you ready to make a significant impact and join one of the largest privately held restoration companies in North America? Become part of our team and contribute to our ongoing success story

Position Overview:

The Director of Payroll & Benefits plays a critical leadership role in overseeing and safeguarding the financial integrity, compliance, and efficiency of the organization’s payroll and benefits functions. This position is responsible for managing the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accurate and timely compensation for all employees, and aligning payroll and benefits practices with organizational goals. The Director will lead a dynamic team, foster collaboration across departments, and implement continuous process improvements to drive operational excellence. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of payroll regulations, benefits administration, and a strong commitment to maintaining compliance while streamlining operations.

Core Responsibilities:

Payroll Management & Processing:

• Lead and oversee the payroll processing for employees across multiple states, ensuring timely and accurate processing of salaries, wages, bonuses, commissions, deductions, and benefits.
• Ensure full compliance with federal, state, and local payroll regulations, including tax withholding, reporting, and benefits administration.
• Manage and optimize payroll systems, overseeing system upgrades or technology integrations to enhance functionality, improve processes, and increase efficiency.
• Collaborate with Accounting and HR teams to ensure payroll and benefits practices align with organizational goals and financial planning.

Compliance, Reporting & Taxation:

• Guarantee adherence to all payroll laws and regulations, including tax filings, wage reporting, and benefits compliance.
• Prepare, review, and submit required payroll-related reports, including tax filings, wage reports, and compliance documents, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Partner with Accounting to provide detailed payroll data for monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports, assisting with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis.
• Stay informed about evolving payroll laws and regulations, ensuring the organization’s policies and practices remain up to date and fully compliant.

Benefits Administration:

• Oversee the implementation and administration of employee benefit programs, including health, dental, vision, retirement, wellness programs, and other employee perks.
• Manage the administration of the company’s 401(k) plan, including compliance with regulatory requirements such as ERISA and IRS guidelines, ensuring proper plan reporting and filings.
• Ensure compliance with relevant benefit regulations and laws, such as ERISA, ACA, COBRA, 401(k) plan requirements, and other applicable federal, state, and local laws.
• Coordinate 401(k) plan compliance testing, including non-discrimination testing, and resolve any discrepancies or issues to maintain plan qualification.
• Oversee the reconciliation of the 401(k) accounts, ensuring accurate employee contributions, employer match contributions, and other plan-related transactions.
• Manage the annual 401(k) audits, ensuring timely and accurate submission of all required reports and documentation to regulatory bodies.
• Provide guidance to employees regarding benefits enrollment, eligibility, claims, 401(k) participation, and any related changes or updates to their benefits elections.
• Collaborate with external vendors, such as benefits brokers and retirement plan administrators, to ensure smooth plan operations and provide exceptional employee support.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing payroll and benefits team, providing training, performance feedback, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and high performance, ensuring payroll and benefits teams meet organizational goals and objectives.
• Cultivate strong relationships with cross-functional departments, particularly HR and Finance, to facilitate seamless coordination and alignment of payroll and benefits processes.

Employee Support & Communication:

• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll and benefits-related inquiries from employees, ensuring prompt and effective resolution of concerns and issues.
• Communicate payroll policies, procedures, and tax-related matters clearly and effectively to all employees.
• Address discrepancies, adjustments, and corrections to payroll in a timely and accurate manner.

System Integration & Process Improvement:

• Evaluate current payroll and benefits systems and workflows, recommending and implementing process improvements to drive operational efficiency and accuracy.
• Work closely with IT, HR, and Accounting departments to integrate payroll systems with other HR and financial systems, ensuring smooth data flow and consistency across platforms.
• Develop, update, and maintain documentation for payroll and benefits procedures, controls, and policies.

Audit, Controls & Compliance:

• Lead payroll audits (both internal and external), ensuring readiness and compliance with audit requirements, and addressing any discrepancies or issues identified.
• Implement and maintain strong internal controls to safeguard payroll data, prevent fraud, and ensure the integrity and accuracy of payroll transactions.

Mergers & Acquisitions Integration:

• Spearhead the integration of payroll processes, systems, and employee compensation/benefits during mergers and acquisitions, ensuring smooth transitions and regulatory compliance.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance teams to align payroll systems, policies, and employee benefits programs across newly merged or acquired entities.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Expertise in payroll laws, regulations, and best practices across multiple states, with the ability to manage complex payroll operations in a multi-state environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities, with a focus on leveraging data to optimize payroll and benefits strategies.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and inspire teams to achieve goals and foster a positive, results-driven environment.
• Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information with discretion and professionalism.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with employees, senior leadership, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience managing payroll and benefits for a large, multi-state organization, with a deep understanding of benefits administration and HR systems integration.

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree, CPP (Certified Payroll Professional), preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in payroll administration and management.
• Knowledge of employment laws and payroll regulations in multiple states, including California.
• Previous experience with prevailing wage and certified payroll preferred.
• Construction experience is a plus.
• ADP Workforce Now system experience required.
• Proficiency in payroll software and Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel).
• Expertise in implementing payroll system updates or changes, with a strong understanding of HRIS and other financial platforms.
• High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, and payroll/HR systems.
• Ability to navigate complex payroll scenarios, make strategic decisions, and resolve payroll and benefits issues efficiently.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Salary
• Medical, Dental, Vision and Flexible Spending Account.
• 401(k) with Company Match (eligibility required)
• Short-term & Long-term Disability
• Critical Illness/Accident/Hospital Indemnity Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Time Off
• Upward Mobility and Development Opportunities

Compensation is based on geographic location, demonstrated job related skills, knowledge, experience, education, certifications, etc.

Kustom is an equal opportunity employer. We foster a diverse and inclusive culture free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, age, religious belief, disability, national origin and/or other protected characteristics. We are committed to a supportive and respectful work environment where all personnel processes are merit-based.