Director of Payroll and Retirement Plan Compliance

Detroit Lions · Allen Park

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The Director of Payroll and Retirement Plan Compliance ensures the efficient and effective operations of the organization’s payroll function in a multi-location, multi-state environment which includes players, exempt, non-exempt, temporary workers, independent contractors, and union employees. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
The Director of Payroll and Retirement Plan Compliance position will have daily responsibilities including, without limitation, the following:

Payroll Processing

• Lead and oversee all payroll processing and related activities
• Supervise payroll staff in execution of the payroll process
• Liaison with staff members, including executive management, on payroll information and requests (i.e. out of state taxation, fringe benefits, etc.)
• Maintain an understanding of the current Collective Bargaining Agreement as it relates to player and staff payroll implications
• Verify a variety of payroll related information such as timesheets, direct deposits, wage garnishments and benefit deductions
• Prepare/review manual tax calculations deducted from paychecks regarding city/state withholding requirements for players and staff that perform services on trips made to “away games”
• Responsible for managing automated process of remitting payroll taxes and the processing of all federal, state, and local withholdings, as well as unemployment taxes, and the quarterly 941 submissions and W-2 generation
• Interface with payroll service vendor to resolve problems and address issues as they arise, while working in partnership with HRIS system owner. Additionally stay up-to-date with system updates and technology trends in the payroll industry.
• Manage all tasks necessary to accomplish the organization’s payroll processing objectives, including maintaining relationships with internal stakeholders and external auditors
• Perform periodic internal audits of various payroll areas

 Retirement Plan Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all payroll related benefit deductions, including ERISA benefit regulations, specifically:
  • Test 401k eligibility and match for each pay cycle
  • Administer, test and audit player 401k plan
  • Review pay cycle for appropriate IRS limits on applicable benefits (H.S.A, F.S.A, 401k, etc)
  • Test file feeds to/from outside vendors as appropriate to ensure changes are captured in pay cycle, in partnership with HRIS system owner
  • Ensure plan year-end and calendar year-end reconciliations are performed
  • Collaborate with third party retirement plan vendors for any regulatory changes, plan changes, etc., in partnership with the People Team
  • Ensure 401k plans are following applicable plan documents
• Test new benefit rates implemented during the open enrollment process, in partnership with the People Team
• Work with the People Team on eligibility and ongoing employee changes as it relates to payroll
• Lead role with 401k and Workers’ Compensation annual audits

Strategy and Planning

• Develop uniform and consistent payroll policies, practices and procedures
• Recommend improvements and modifications as needed
• Use the payroll/HRIS platform to obtain accuracy and efficiency over the payroll process
• Develop a corporate payroll strategy including planning, communications and marketing of the payroll function and related services within the organization
• Research and prepare management reports

Other

• Provide appropriate direction to players and their respective financial advisors regarding withholding policies, including during evening hours and weekends
• Attend administrative player meetings as requested to present appropriate payroll information
• Assist with annual NFL audit on payroll testing and reporting needs
• Log and respond to all state payroll tax request notices, and lead payroll audits as incurred
• Ensure annual IRS updates are implemented and tested in HRIS system, in partnership with HRIS system owner
• Maintain current knowledge of, and compliance with, all applicable state, federal and local wage laws and regulations
• Prepare monthly journal entries to the general ledger
• Ensure integrity of the database, as it relates to payroll and the general ledger
• Maintain current knowledge of all technological resources, specifically relating to HRIS system, including best practices and periodic updates to Dayforce, as it relates to payroll

NONESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Will maintain an appropriate level of knowledge of payroll and accounting system(s) and software being used
• Will have a working knowledge of tax filings
• Will participate in team meetings, providing input and suggestions related to payroll as well as recommendations for processes and procedures
• Must be self-motivated and able to work independently or as part of a team
• Must be able to communicate with player agents and financial representatives
• Must be accurate and efficient with ability to meet deadlines
• Must be detail oriented with strong organizational skills
• Will adjust work schedule to meet departmental demands
• Will keep appropriate information confidential
• Will accept other responsibilities and duties required by the supervisor consistent with the objectives and essential functions of this position. Such responsibilities shall be incorporated into the position description if they are ongoing
• Will advise supervisor if actual practice (activity) begins to deviate significantly from specified essential functions

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field required
• Minimum of 10 year’s experience in accounting and payroll Experience in sports and entertainment preferred
• CPP designation preferred
• In-depth knowledge of payroll tax laws, filing requirements, and payroll compliance standards
• Experience with Dayforce or similar software required
• Proficient in Windows environment with strong Excel skills
• A valid Driver’s License and a good driving record
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays
• You may use AI as a tool in creating your application, but this role is powered by human talent—your judgment, experience, and character are integral. Please let your personal talent shine
• May require work out of both the Ford Field Management Offices and the Meijer Performance Center

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