Director, Payroll Operations

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Director of Payroll Operations providing strategic and operational leadership at Vanderbilt. Ensuring accurate payroll processing while modernizing operations through technology and collaboration.

Posted 7/23/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates extensive expertise in payroll operations, compliance, and automation, with a strong focus on optimizing Oracle Cloud HCM and leading payroll teams. Proven ability to implement process improvements and maintain regulatory compliance in a large organizational setting.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Payroll Operations LeadershipOracle Cloud HCM OptimizationInternational Tax CompliancePayroll Process AutomationPayroll Analytics Proficiency

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Payroll ProcessingPayroll ReconciliationTax ReportingWorkflow AutomationProcess OptimizationPayroll AnalyticsInternal ControlsEmployee Self-ServiceAudit CoordinationRegulatory Compliance

Soft Skills

LeadershipCoachingCollaborationAdaptabilitySound Judgment

Tools & Technologies

Oracle Cloud HCMWorkdayPeopleSoftSAPAI-Enabled Tools

Industry Keywords

Federal RegulationsState RegulationsCollective Bargaining AgreementsNonresident Foreign National TaxationU.S. Tax TreatiesHigher Education Payroll Regulations

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudOracle

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide leadership and oversight of all daily payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing
Supervise payroll staff, establish priorities, assign work, and monitor performance
Supervise the international tax team and oversee all 1042-S international tax reporting
Ensure payroll processing complies with institutional policies, collective bargaining agreements, federal and state regulations, and tax requirements
Review and approve payroll transactions, adjustments, off-cycle payrolls, and special payments
Oversee payroll reconciliations, payroll tax reporting, deductions, garnishments, retirement contributions, and month-end processing
Oversee quarterly payroll tax filings at both the federal and state levels
Maintain appropriate internal controls to safeguard payroll data and institutional assets
Serve as the primary resource for resolving complex payroll issues and escalated employee concerns
Develop and execute a multiyear payroll modernization roadmap aligned with Vanderbilt’s mission, growth and operational priorities
Assess and redesign payroll workflows, procedures, and controls to improve accuracy, consistency, efficiency, and service
Optimize Oracle Cloud HCM and other enabling technologies to automate processes, reduce manual intervention, strengthen data integrity, and improve employee self-service
Establish a continuous improvement discipline using process mapping, root-cause analysis, performance data, and clear operational measures
Lead system enhancements, testing, and adoption while maintaining strong internal controls, segregation of duties, documentation, and regulatory compliance
Ensure compliance with federal and state wage and hour laws, tax regulations, retirement reporting requirements, and higher education-specific payroll regulations
Monitor legislative and regulatory changes affecting payroll operations and implement required updates
Coordinate internal and external payroll audits and respond to audit requests
Strengthen internal controls and ensure appropriate segregation of duties throughout payroll processes
Partner with VUIT Oracle team to optimize payroll system functionality
Collaborate with Finance to ensure accurate payroll accounting, reconciliations, and financial reporting
Participate in system upgrades, testing, implementations, and process enhancements
Build strong collaborative relationships across departments to improve service delivery and communication
Provide coaching, mentoring, and guidance to payroll staff
Foster a collaborative, customer-focused, and continuous improvement culture
Identify training needs and support professional development opportunities
Manage departmental priorities and allocate resources to meet institutional deadlines

Requirements

What you’ll need

Eight or more years of progressively responsible payroll experience in a large, complex organization of 3,000 or more employees
Experience with nonresident foreign national taxation, U.S. tax treaties, and international tax compliance systems
Deep expertise with enterprise HR and payroll platforms, such as Oracle Cloud HCM, Workday, PeopleSoft, or SAP
Demonstrated experience leading payroll automation, process optimization, or technology-enabled transformation
Demonstrated ability to lead and develop payroll and tax professionals
Proficiency in payroll analytics and experience applying AI-enabled tools to improve efficiency, controls, and decision-making
Experience with workflow automation or process optimization applied to payroll or HR operations
Adaptability, sound judgment, and unquestioned integrity.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
Retirement plans
Paid time off
Flexible work arrangements
Professional development