Head of Payroll

Position Overview :

The Head of Payroll at Danforth is a key position responsible for managing and overseeing payroll operations across multiple entities within the organization.

This role requires a seasoned payroll professional with extensive experience in processing large and complex payrolls, preferably in companies with diverse payroll cycles and structures.

Expertise in payroll systems, particularly ADP and Workday, is essential, as the successful candidate will be crucial in the integration and optimization of these systems amid the company’s growth through acquisitions.

Reporting to the Controller, this role requires a hands-on approach, with active involvement in daily payroll operations and collaboration across teams to ensure seamless payroll processing and system integration.

Location : Waltham, MA Hybrid work arrangement with occasional in-office presence preferred.

Key Responsibilities :

Oversee and manage the payroll operations, processes and personnel for all entities under Danforth, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing.

This includes salaried and hourly employees, and varying payroll cycles (weekly, bi-weekly, semi-monthly).

• Lead the integration of Workday with ADP, ensuring seamless communication between the systems. Participate in the design, testing, and implementation of the Workday system, focusing on payroll architecture.
• Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations. Stay informed about changes in payroll laws and regulations, particularly those affecting multi-state payrolls.
• Build and manage a small payroll team, including direct oversight of payroll staff at each entity. Provide training and support to ensure consistency and accuracy across all payroll operations.
• Identify and implement best practices in payroll processing to streamline operations and improve efficiency. Develop automated processes to reduce manual work and ensure accuracy.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance to ensure accurate payroll data flow and reporting. Work closely with the CFO to support financial planning and forecasting related to payroll.
• Partner with the M&A team to integrate newly acquired companies into the existing payroll system, ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining consistency across all entities.

Requirements

• A minimum of 7-10 years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 5 years in a senior payroll role managing large, complex payroll operations across multiple entities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field is preferred. Equivalent experience in payroll management and system implementation may be considered.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) from the American Payroll Association (APA) is strongly preferred. Workday Payroll Certification is a plus.
• Proficiency in ADP (Workforce Now, SmartCompliance) is required. Experience with Workday, especially in system implementation and integration, is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of payroll regulations, particularly multi-state payroll laws. Experience with hourly, salaried, and consultant payrolls is essential.
• Demonstrated ability to lead a team, manage multiple priorities, and implement process improvements. Experience in building and scaling a payroll function is a plus.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail. Ability to analyze payroll data and make informed decisions to optimize processes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership.

Benefits

• Medical : (plan options : HMO*, PPO and High Deductible Plan with a Health Savings Account)
• HMO plan only available to those in New England geography
• Dental
• Vision
• Flexible time off
• Company Paid Holidays
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (healthcare and dependent care options)
• 401K plan
• Voluntary life insurance (employee, spouse, child)

About Danforth Advisors

Danforth exclusively supports the core business and clinical functions of life science companies. The company provides strategic advisory and operational execution in the areas of finance and accounting, clinical and regulatory, strategic communications, commercial readiness and launch, human resources and risk management.

Founded in 2011, Danforth has been a trusted partner to more than 1,000 life science companies, private and public, across all stages of the corporate lifecycle.

The company serves clients around the globe from its base in Waltham, Massachusetts and regional operations in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, California and London.

Additional information is available at www.danforthadvisors.com .