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 and understand Knighted's Job Applicant Privacy Notice and hereby authorize and consent to the Company's use of the personal information and sensitive personal information it collects, receives or maintains for the business purposes identified in disclosure.