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

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in accounting, finance, business administration, or a related field or relevant experience.
• 7+ years’ experience in payroll administration or a similar role.
• Team management experience.
• Advanced knowledge of the UKG payroll system and a strong understanding of other payroll software platforms.
• Demonstrated strong expertise in payroll tax setups, filings, and compliance at the federal, state, and local levels.
• Proficiency in payroll software and Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel.

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.