About Ascend
Ascend is Brooklyn's premier K-12 public charter network, committed to graduating high-achieving students who have access to boundless choice in their futures-not only through college acceptance, but through meaningful preparation for career readiness and thriving adult lives.
Across our schools, we pair rigorous academics with strong systems, supportive adult culture, and a deep belief in students' brilliance and potential. Our work is grounded in the understanding that preparing students for long-term success requires excellence in instruction, intentional culture-building, and disciplined execution at every level of the organization.
At Ascend, adults are held to high standards because our students deserve nothing less. How we teach, lead, collaborate, and make decisions every day directly shapes the opportunities our students will have tomorrow.
Join us in shaping learning environments where curiosity is nurtured, excellence is the norm, and every student is prepared for a lifetime of boundless choice.
About the Role
The Director of Payroll and Financial Operations is a critical operational leader responsible for ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and strategic effectiveness of Ascend's payroll and HRIS functions across the network. Reporting to the Controller, this role oversees payroll administration, payroll-related financial controls, HRIS system management, and retirement plan administration.
This leader drives cross-functional collaboration between Finance, HR, and Talent to build efficient, transparent, and scalable systems that directly support employees across the network. The Director ensures that payroll is executed with precision, that HRIS systems meet organizational needs, and that all financial and compliance standards are consistently upheld.
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required
Minimum of 6 years of experience in payroll, HRIS, or related HR/finance operations roles
Strong experience working with HRIS or data management systems
Highly proficient in Excel and financial data analysis
Exceptional attention to detail with zero tolerance for payroll inaccuracies
Strong organizational, project management, and time-management skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Commitment to continuous improvement and openness to feedback
Strong communication and customer service orientation
Demonstrated alignment with Ascend's mission and educational values
Responsibilities
Payroll & Compliance Leadership
Oversee the payroll team to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant processing of semi-monthly payrolls.
Ensure adherence to federal, state, and local regulations, internal policies, and audit requirements.
Review and approve all payroll-related reports, tax filings, and system-generated outputs.
Serve as a subject-matter expert on payroll issues, advising team members and resolving non-routine challenges.
Cross-Functional Operations
Partner with Finance and Talent leaders to support business processes such as the Staffing/Vacancy model and headcount reporting.
Communicate with school and network staff regarding payroll processes, discrepancies, and system expectations.
Attend meetings and respond to inquiries related to payroll operations.
Retirement Plan Administration
Oversee the administration of Ascend's retirement plan, ensuring compliance with plan rules and federal regulations.
Manage relationships with external partners, including plan recordkeepers, financial advisors, TPAs, auditors, and ERISA counsel.
Ensure the accuracy of plan contributions, census data, audits, IRS filings, and mandatory testing.
Management & Team Leadership
Supervise and develop the Payroll Manager and Senior HRIS Analyst.
Set clear expectations, coach team members, and maintain high standards of accuracy and service.
Skills and Traits
Financial integrity and commitment to rigorous accuracy.
Systems thinking and the ability to connect operational details to organizational goals.
Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
High bar for quality and operational excellence.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills across diverse stakeholders.
Staff and Reporting Relationships
The Director of Payroll and Financial Operations reports to the Controller.
Compensation
Initial salary offers for this position range from $95,000-$150,000. Salaries are determined using an equitable compensation scale that accounts for years of experience and levels of attained education.