Payroll Director

Payroll Director  Dallas, TX, In-Person Knighted is a leader in gaming and entertainment, built on 30 years of experience and a people-first mindset. As the #1 player services provider, we’re growing fast and raising the bar in every market we enter. Our mission is simple: we win together. We believe success comes from a team of leaders at every level—people who take pride in their craft, support each other, and bring their best every day. Gaming is our foundation, but our culture is our edge. About the Role We are seeking an experienced Director of Payroll to lead and own the full payroll function across our growing portfolio of entities, reporting directly to the CFO. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing across multiple entities and jurisdictions, while maintaining the highest standards of compliance at the federal, state, and local levels. Beyond execution, the Director will be expected to build and continuously improve the systems, policies, and internal controls that allow payroll to scale alongside the organization, including platform optimization, year-end reporting, and cross-functional partnership with Finance, HR, and Legal. The ideal candidate brings deep multi-state compliance expertise, strong payroll systems knowledge, and the ability to lead a team while serving as the primary point of escalation for complex payroll issues, audits, and disputes. Essential Functions Oversee and ensure the accurate and timely processing of bi-weekly and off-cycle payrolls across multiple entities Maintain strict compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll, wage, and hour laws and best practices — including multi-state and multi-jurisdiction requirements Direct the management of employee garnishments including child support, tax levies, and other court-ordered wage assignments Ensure the integrity and accuracy of all data within the payroll system across all entities Lead the preparation and filing of year-end reporting including W-2s, W-2Cs, and 1099s Maintain and enforce the highest standards of confidentiality and discretion in the handling of all employee and payroll information Own payroll tax setup, filings, and compliance at the federal, state, and local levels Responsibilities Develop, implement, and continuously improve payroll policies, processes, and internal controls to drive accuracy and efficiency Establish and maintain oversight of all leave accrual records for salaried and hourly employees across the organization Direct tip reporting reconciliation processes and ensure alignment against payroll records Design and maintain a comprehensive suite of payroll reports for HR, Accounting, and executive leadership — including ad hoc analysis and reporting requests Partner with HR, Finance, and Legal to align payroll practices with broader organizational strategy and regulatory requirements Evaluate and optimize payroll system configuration and third-party integrations to support scalability and operational needs Lead, develop, and mentor payroll team members — setting clear performance expectations and building a high-functioning, knowledgeable department Serve as the primary point of escalation for complex payroll issues, disputes, and audits Experience & Skills 8–10+ years of progressive payroll experience with a minimum of 3 years in a leadership or management role Demonstrated experience managing multi-entity and multi-state payroll in a complex, high-volume environment Advanced knowledge of UKG with strong familiarity with other major payroll platforms Deep expertise in payroll tax compliance at the federal, state, and local levels CPP certification preferred Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field required; advanced degree a plus Qualities & Preferences Experience in the entertainment and hospitality industries. Familiarity with benefits administration and 401(K) plan administration. Excellent organizational and time-management skills. Strong attention to detail and accuracy. Good communication and interpersonal skills. Benefits Flexible medical benefits, with options for upgraded coverage Dental and vision coverage  Flexible paid time off  Commuter benefits 401(k) retirement plan  Perks program with discounts on local gyms, restaurants, concerts, and more. Knighted Ventures and similar organizations are regulated by the  California Gambling Control Commission , ensuring compliance with state gaming regulations. Knighted provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. Knighted will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if Knighted is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting  calcivilrights.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/ . By submitting your application you acknowledge and confirm that you have received, read a