At Cortland, you map the story of your success. We don't adhere to the status quo, we love outside industry perspective, and we thrive on exploring possibilities and reimagining solutions. As an innovative leader in multifamily, our high performance continues to drive exponential growth – and we invite you to join us on our journey towards real estate excellence. With tools and guidance to sharpen your skills, you can forge your own career path, love what you do, and let it show.

As the Director of Payroll, you are responsible for the preparation, audit, documentation, and disbursement of hourly and salary payroll while ensuring that all processes are compliant with federal, state, and local agencies.

 The Payroll Powerhouse

• Ensure accurate and timely processing of bi-weekly and special payrolls for all associates in multiple states
• Oversee continuous improvement for all payroll processes, including status changes, garnishments, direct deposits, etc.
• Confirm all data is transmitted properly for associates’ timely and accurate pay
• Coordinate all year-end payroll activities
• Manage all tax-related processes; ensure third-party vendors are paid in a timely manner

The People Person

• Provide support, training, mentoring, and development to reporting staff on an ongoing basis to ensure the department performs at a maximum performance level
• Plan, schedule, and manage the staff to promote efficiency in completing their job responsibilities
• Establish strong customer relationships with associates, Talent Resources and Talent Acquisition directors, managers, business partners, business operations managers, senior management, and other stakeholders
• Authorize associate payroll deductions and associate data changes in coordination with Talent Engagement Business Partners and Sr. Benefits Managers’ transactions

The Overseer

• Oversee preparation of required reports for federal, state, and local government agencies
• Resolve all escalated payroll issues and problems successfully
• Maintain high standards of integrity, accountability, transparency, and compliance with regard to internal policies and procedures, government regulations and agencies, and other external agencies
• Coordinate all reporting activities
• Work with auditors, IRS, DOL, and other governing agencies to resolve payroll and tax issues

The Impact You Can Make

• Thanks to your careful eye and dedication to Cortland associates, payroll is always run accurately and on time.
• Your solid relationships with the Talent Resources and Accounting teams keeps the entire benefits and payroll system running like a well-oiled machine!
• Associates know that any communications coming from you regarding benefits will be crystal clear and easy to understand.
• Everyone knows that you are the go-to person at Cortland for payroll questions – and you always give them the information they need!

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or related field; CPA or CPP preferred
• Solid 7+ years of progressive experience managing payroll administration
• Proficiency with payroll software, UKG Pro experience required
• Working knowledge of tax regulation and tax reporting in all states and locales, exposure to multi-state taxation is an advantage
• Strong accounting systems skills, including administrative functions and system implementation
• Advanced level Microsoft Excel skills required
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with team members and communicate effectively with various stakeholders
• Excellent presentation skills for conveying financial information to executives or other relevant parties.

We create, reimagine, and manage apartment communities for residents nationwide. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, we have communities and regional offices all over the country, as well as overseas. From product design and procurement to general contracting and property management, we do it all – to make sure our communities are the perfect setting for living life to its fullest.

Our success is fueled by our belief in a better life – where hospitality is always a given, each detail is worth a second thought, and every open door is a new opportunity to go beyond expectations. We come to work every day to create possibilities for people – possibilities that translate into superior living spaces and experiences designed to inspire our residents, associates, and investors to live a better life focused on what matters most to them.

Cortland is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud to support and celebrate diversity in the workplace. We are committed to equal consideration for all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. If you have a disability and need an accommodation or assistance with the application process and/or using our website, please email talentresources@cortland.com or call 404.965.3988.

Cortland is a drug-free workplace.

Cortland participates in e-verify to verify the employment status of

all persons hired to work in the United States.