Payroll Tax - Director of Payroll Tax

Orion Associates provides business management services like Payroll administration, Training, Human Resources, and more for our various other companies: Meridian Services, Zenith Services, Morning Sun Financial Services, and Little Stars. All of our companies work together to administer high quality professional services for staff while also supporting people with disabilities, the elderly, and their families.

Director of Payroll Tax & Benefits

Location: Golden Valley, MN

Schedule: Monday–Friday, standard daytime business hours. Hybrid/remote eligible after 90 days.

Position Overview
Orion Associates is seeking a Director of Payroll Tax & Benefits to oversee payroll tax compliance, employer tax accounts, and benefit-related payroll processes across Orion and its affiliated companies.
This role is responsible for ensuring the accurate calculation, reconciliation, reporting, and payment of all federal, state, and local payroll taxes, as well as overseeing benefit-related payroll allocations and reconciliations. The Director also supervises payroll tax staff and ensures all reporting, filings, and reconciliations are completed accurately and on schedule.
This is a highly detail-oriented leadership role that works closely with payroll, accounting, and external agencies to maintain compliance across multiple entities and jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Tax Compliance & Reporting

• Oversee all federal, state, and local payroll tax filings, including Forms 941, 941-X, 940, state withholding, FUTA/SUTA, and local tax reporting.
• Ensure all payroll taxes are paid according to required deposit schedules.
• Manage year-end payroll tax processes including W-2 generation, auditing, and distribution.
• Monitor changes in tax rates and employer tax requirements across states and jurisdictions.

Payroll Tax Account Management

• Manage and reconcile all employer payroll tax accounts across Orion companies.
• Coordinate the activation and closure of payroll tax accounts as needed.
• Investigate and resolve payroll tax discrepancies, notices, and agency inquiries.

Benefits & Payroll Reconciliation

• Oversee reconciliation and allocation of benefit-related accounts including:
• HSA / FSA
• 401(k), IRA, and 403(b)
• Self-funded dental plan
• Employee insurance benefit accounts
• Ensure benefit expenses are correctly allocated across departments and entities.

Financial Reconciliation & Controls

• Manage GL reconciliations related to payroll tax and benefit accounts.
• Audit payroll tax calculations to ensure accuracy of both employer and employee taxes.
• Ensure payroll tax liabilities such as FUTA, SUTA, and workers’ compensation are expensed appropriately.

Compliance & Process Oversight

• Maintain departmental procedures and documentation related to payroll tax and benefit administration.
• Ensure timely completion of audits related to tax status, W-4 documentation, and compliance requirements.
• Coordinate annual payroll tax system updates for Great Plains.

Team Leadership

• Supervise payroll tax staff including Payroll Coordinators and Payroll Supervisors.
• Provide guidance and support to ensure compliance deadlines and departmental goals are met.
• Serve as an internal resource for payroll tax and benefit-related questions.

Required Qualifications

• 4–6 years of payroll, payroll tax, or related accounting experience.
• Prior supervisory experience.
• Strong knowledge of payroll tax compliance and reporting requirements.
• Ability to manage multiple tax jurisdictions and reporting deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate professionally with internal teams, employees, and government agencies.
• Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.

Additional requirements include successful completion of required background checks.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Experience with multi-entity payroll environments.
• Experience with Microsoft Dynamics GP or comparable payroll systems.

Orion Associates Benefits and Perks Include:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance offered
• Paid Time Off including 16 hours of Paid Volunteer Time
• Paid Volunteer Time
• 401K plan with employer matching after 1 year
• Supplemental Insurance and Pet Insurance offered
• Childcare at Corporate Office for Employees
• Pet-Friendly Corporate Offices
• Fun events including: Annual Company Picnic, Wednesday Snack Days at Corporate Office, Annual Summer Bags Tournament, and more!
• MERSC Discounts at MN Events and Businesses

Orion Associates has been recognized for its commitment to a healthy workplace and commitment to volunteerism by many organizations including Minnesota Business, Twin Cities Business Journal, INC Magazine, Forbes and others. Voted TOP 100 Workplaces in the Twin Cities by Star Tribune and Minnesota Business!

Orion Associates is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified candidates are encouraged to Apply Today!