Payroll Director

About the job

MHW Search has exclusively partnered with a well-established Multifamily Investment & Development firm in Houston to search for a Payroll Director. This person will be responsible for overseeing and executing all payroll-related functions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across 70+ property entities and multiple states. This role manages payroll tax reconciliation, GL reporting, and cash funding coordination, while maintaining strong partnerships with HR and Accounting teams.

The ideal candidate has strong analytical skills and a deep expertise in multi-state, multi-entity payroll, proficiency in UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group) systems, and prior experience in the multifamily real estate industry.

Payroll Operations

• Oversee and process biweekly payroll for approximately 700 employees across 70+ entities using UKG.
• Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with all federal, state, and local wage and tax regulations.
• Administer employee deductions, garnishments, benefits, and tax withholdings.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll inquiries, audits, and issue resolution.

Tax & Compliance

• Reconcile payroll taxes by state per pay period, quarterly, and annually.
• Ensure timely filing and payment of payroll tax liabilities.
• Partner with external agencies and internal teams to resolve discrepancies and maintain compliance.
• Prepare and distribute payroll journal entries for all 70+ property general ledgers.
• Provide detailed payroll reports and cash requirements for each entity.
• Collaborate with the Accounting Department to ensure accurate GL coding, funding, and reporting.

System Management & Process Improvement

• Manage and optimize the UKG payroll system, ensuring accurate data integration with HRIS and accounting platforms.
• Evaluate and streamline processes to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and compliance.
• Maintain documentation of payroll procedures and internal controls.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor payroll staff, fostering a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Work closely with HR, Accounting, Property Management and Construction teams to support organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.
• 7+ years of payroll experience, including 3+ years in multi-entity and multi-state operations.
• Strong knowledge of UKG payroll systems required.
• Experience in the multifamily or real estate industry strongly preferred.
• Exceptional analytical skills, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Strong leadership, communication, organizational skills and strong strategic thinking skills.