Director, Payroll
The Director of Payroll at Studs will oversee the comprehensive payroll operations for our rapidly expanding, multi-state retail organization. This role is integral to ensuring accurate and timely compensation for all employees, encompassing both hourly and salaried staff. As a subject-matter expert in multi-state and multi-jurisdiction payroll tax and compliance, the Director will collaborate closely with the People, Finance, and Legal teams to maintain reliable, auditable, and scalable payroll processes.
Key responsibilities include managing the end-to-end processing of Studs' bi-weekly pay cycle, which involves timecard validation, adjustments, deductions, garnishments, and off-cycle payments. The Director will also oversee multi-state and multi-jurisdiction payroll tax compliance, including tax registrations, withholding, reciprocity rules, and reporting. Additionally, the role entails managing the relationship with the company's payroll provider, serving as the primary point of contact for tax notices, agency correspondence, and filings, and proactively resolving issues. The Director will respond to payroll inquiries from employees with a high standard of service and discretion, and maintain and continuously improve payroll controls, reconciliations, and audit trails to ensure accuracy and data integrity as Studs scales into new jurisdictions. Preparing and reviewing payroll reporting for Finance, including general ledger reconciliation, accruals, and support for year-end processes (W-2s, tax filings) is also a critical aspect of this role.
Candidates should have over eight years of payroll experience with progressive ownership of multi-state or multi-jurisdiction processing. Extensive hands-on experience with ADP is required, with a preference for familiarity with ADP Workforce Now and Workforce Manager. A strong track record of supporting a high-growth, multi-location hourly workforce with variable schedules is essential. Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail are crucial, and the ability to work onsite at Studs’ New York City headquarters three days per week is necessary.
The compensation package includes a salary range of $175,000 to $200,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package. This package features flexible work arrangements, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance (including a plan option with $0 in-network mental health visits), access to mental health and work/life resources, voluntary life insurance, health and commuter tax-advantaged accounts, stock options, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, paid time off, paid safe and sick leave, paid parental leave, paid sabbatical after four years of service, exclusive employee discounts on piercings and jewelry, and access to additional benefits such as pet insurance, discounted tickets, personal finance coaching, and healthy rewards.
Studs is a New York-based ear piercing and jewelry retailer founded in 2019, operating 26 studios across 17 U.S. states alongside a direct-to-consumer e-commerce platform. The company targets Gen Z and millennial consumers with professional needle-based piercing services and its proprietary Earscape® flatback jewelry system. Studs has been recognized as one of the “10 most innovative companies in retail for 2023” by Fast Company. The company culture is built on three key values: "We’re All in this Together," "We're All Ears," and "We're Always Growing." These values emphasize teamwork, feedback, transparency, and continuous growth, fostering an inclusive and dynamic work environment.