Payroll Associate Director

Kratos is looking for a Payroll Associate Director for their Corporate Office in San Diego, CA. This position is an on-site position.

Kratos Defense & Security Solutions, Inc. (NASDAQ:KTOS) develops and fields transformative, affordable technology, platforms, and systems for United States National Security related customers, allies, and commercial enterprises.

At Kratos, we encourage an entrepreneurial spirit balanced with discipline. We work hard, and take care of our customers, employees and families. Recognized as thought leaders in our industry, we are motivated by creating and delivering innovative solutions to our nation and global customers. We proactively build trusted relationships with our peers, partners and customers, and take ownership for our actions always striving to do the right thing.

Kratos offers medical, dental, vision, life, short and long term disability insurance, 401(k) savings plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), paid time off, paid holidays, tuition reimbursement, and more.

GENERAL JOB SUMMARY:
Oversees an organization's entire payroll function, ensuring timely and accurate payment to employees while maintaining strict compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws. Ensures policies, procedures, SOX narratives, DFARS Business Systems controls are developed, implemented, and trained to the appropriate individuals. Ensures high-quality work product, drives process improvements, efficiencies, streamline operations, processes and controls. The Payroll Associate Director has a strong ability to solve problems, perform analytical reviews and has strong leadership skills. This position requires the ability to obtain security clearance, if needed.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Payroll Operations: Oversees end-to-end payroll processing for all employees (salaried, hourly, multi-state).
Manages the relationship with payroll vendor (ADP), and other vendors used by department, to ensure accountability for service delivery, accuracy, and regulatory updates.
Leads quarterly and annual vendor business reviews; drives continuous improvement and system optimization.
Oversees reviews of payroll and timesheet processing to ensure payroll is accurate and complete per employee.
Oversees end-to-end payroll operations across multiple states, supporting a diverse workforce with multiple pay codes, pay frequencies, and employee classifications Accountable for payroll accuracy, compliance, and timeliness across high-volume, high-complexity payroll cycles
Responsible for complex payroll issues, audits, and regulatory inquiries. Ensures all requests and documentation is provided accurately and timely.
Perform analysis and reviews to provide explanation of changes/variances.
Reviews timecard discrepancies/issue and resolves before payroll processing.
Reviews the multiple payrolls done each week.
Audits employee pay records and reconciles totals by pay groups (divisions) and/or delegates this work as needed.
Develops, implements and documents policies and procedures for payroll process and timekeeping and trains payroll department and other departments/divisions as needed.
Ensures the generation of the company payroll, including labor distribution records, vacation and sick leave accrual, overtime and withholding status.
Ensures all government reporting requirements for payroll taxes, withholding and employer contributions.
Hires, develops, and evaluates personnel to ensure the efficient operation of the function.
Proactively monitors legislative changes and translates them into operational payroll practices and ensures our systems have been updated accurately and in a timely fashion.
Develops and maintains payroll policies, procedures, and documentation
Acts as a trusted payroll subject-matter expert to HR, Finance, Legal, and leadership
Works on issues of diverse scope where analysis of situation or data requires evaluation of a variety of factors, including an understanding of current business trends.
Acts as advisor to subordinate(s) to meet schedules and/or resolve technical problems.
Frequently interacts with subordinate supervisors, customers, and/or functional peer group managers, normally involving matters between functional areas, other company divisions or units, or customers and the company. Has a strong ability to nurture relationships with key stakeholders.
Works closely with various departments to ensure that employee data is current and accurate.
Other job duties as assigned.

Compliance: Ensures compliance with FLSA, IRS regulations, and payroll tax laws. Maintains proper documentation and evidence to support audits.

SOX and Internal Controls: Implements and maintains internal controls to ensure proper segregation of duties for processes, system access and accurate and complete calculations.

Leadership: Direct, train, and mentor the payroll department. Presents, communicates and leads meetings with key partners (internally and externally) to resolve issues/concerns or when implementing process improvements that impact different departments/divisions.

Reporting & Auditing: Generates reports, handles audits, and audits payroll transactions to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Strategic Planning: Develops long-term strategies for process improvement and efficiency.

Special Projects: Leads and participates in special projects (acquisitions, mergers, system upgrades, etc) from beginning to end and ensures results are accurate and complete and maintains proper documentation for audit purposes. Trains and guides new members/divisions Kratos policies and procedures and controls required to be followed at the division level.

System Management: Reviews and maintains system access properly, reviews the 3rd Party ADP SSAE 18 to ensure proper controls were followed and document any Kratos UCC controls. Leads system upgrades testing and conversion testing.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
This position has supervisory responsibilities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:
Strong knowledge of ADP, tax regulations, skills, to perform the Essential Job Functions, including computer skills.
Maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by company and government requirements.
Takes initiative and has a pro-active attitude versus a reactive attitude.
Maintain sensitive and confidential information as required by company and government requirements.
Communicate and interact effectively with peers, supervisors, and public, including maintaining respect for others, and following company policies.
Have a willingness and ability to learn and utilize company technology for company required purposes, including, for example training, reviewing and signing policies and procedures, benefits enrollment and changes, and more.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bacheloris Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or related field.
8+ years of experience including 3 years in a management role.
Experience with multi-state taxation required.
Experience with ADPVantage and Costpoint/Deltek preferred.
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) certificate preferred.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Office environment
Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time
Ability to perform repetitive motion (keyboarding, 10-key, phones)

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: Yes, as required

#LI-BI1Kratos
Salary Range: $140K-$150K