Associate Director, Payroll

Associate Director, Payroll

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with key operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), Canada (Sumitomo Pharma Canada, Inc.) and Europe (Sumitomo Pharma Switzerland GmbH) focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women's health, rare diseases, psychiatry & neurology, and cell & gene therapies. With several marketed products in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage assets, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn.

Role overview: The Associate Director, Payroll is responsible for overseeing the strategy, compliance, and operations of the organization’s payroll function. This role ensures accurate and timely processing of multi-state and/or global payrolls, compliance with federal, state, and international regulations, and strong partnership with HR, Finance, and external vendors. The Associate Director will lead initiatives to enhance payroll processes, implement new technologies, and drive operational efficiency while providing exceptional service to employees.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll operations for U.S. employees (1200+), ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.
• Develop and implement payroll strategy, policies, and procedures aligned with organizational goals.
• Manage vendor relationships with payroll service providers, tax agencies, and benefits administrators.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and IT to ensure seamless integrations and data accuracy between systems (e.g., HRIS, timekeeping, benefits).
• Lead audits, reconciliations, and reporting to maintain compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls.
• Oversee payroll-related tax filings, year-end activities, and compliance with wage and hour laws.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to payroll team members, fostering professional growth and high performance.
• Drive payroll process improvements and automation initiatives to increase efficiency and accuracy.
• Deliver executive-level reporting and analytics on payroll trends, costs, and compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field.
• 8+ years of payroll experience.
• Extensive knowledge of federal, state, and local payroll regulations; experience with international payroll is a plus.
• Proficiency with HRIS and payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, SAP, Oracle).
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax, benefits integration, and compliance requirements.
• Demonstrated success leading payroll process improvements, system implementations, and automation projects.
• Exceptional skills.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.

Core Competencies

• Strategic leadership and decision-making.
• Analytical and detail-oriented approach to payroll operations.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Strong collaboration and cross-functional partnership skills.
• High integrity, confidentiality, and commitment to compliance.

Compensation and benefits: The base salary range for this role is $133,800 to $167,200. Base salary is part of our total rewards package which also includes merit-based salary increases, short incentive plan participation, eligibility for our 401(k) plan, medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurances and leaves provided in line with your work state. Our robust time-off policy includes flexible paid time off, 11 paid holidays plus additional time off for a shut-down period during the last week of December, 80 hours of paid sick time upon hire and each year thereafter. Total compensation, including base salary to be offered, will depend on elements unique to each candidate, including candidate experience, skills, education and other factors permitted by law.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

Confidential Data : All information (written, verbal, electronic, etc.) that an employee encounters is considered confidential.

Compliance : Achieve and maintain Compliance with all applicable regulatory, legal and operational rules and procedures, by ensuring that all plans and activities for and on behalf of Sumitomo Pharma America (SMPA) and affiliates are carried out with the best industry practices and the highest ethical standards.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Mental/Physical Requirements : Fast paced environment handling multiple demands. Must be able to exercise appropriate judgment as necessary. Requires a high level of initiative and independence. Excellent written and oral communication skills required. Requires ability to use a personal computer for extended periods of time.

SMPA is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law.

Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd. is a global pharmaceutical company based in Japan with key operations in the U.S. (Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc.), Canada (Sumitomo Pharma Canada, Inc.) and Europe (Sumitomo Pharma Switzerland GmbH) focused on addressing patient needs in oncology, urology, women\'s health, rare diseases, psychiatry & neurology, and cell & gene therapies. With several marketed products in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, a diverse pipeline of early- to late-stage assets, and in-house advanced technology capabilities, we aim to accelerate discovery, research, and development to bring novel therapies to patients sooner. For more information on SMPA, visit our website or follow us on LinkedIn.

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