Global Payroll Specialist

Overview

This role is responsible for end-to-end global payroll operations for assigned international countries, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across multiple regions. You will serve as a subject matter expert for international payroll, partnering with People Operations, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Equity, external payroll providers, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver an exceptional employee experience and drive operational excellence.

This is a full-time position reporting to the Payroll Manager.

Responsibilities

• Independently manage end-to-end payroll processing for assigned international countries (Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, India and UK), ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll execution.
• Serve as the primary payroll partner for international employees, resolving complex payroll inquiries with high customer service and urgency.
• Partner with external payroll providers to validate payroll inputs, review outputs, reconcile variances, manage funding timelines, and ensure reporting deadlines are met.
• Review and reconcile payroll data between Workday and third-party payroll systems; proactively identify discrepancies and drive timely resolution.
• Collaborate with Finance and Accounting on payroll funding, journal entries, accruals, month-end close activities, and payroll account reconciliations.
• Partner with People Operations, Total Rewards, Equity, Tax, and Legal teams to ensure payroll changes are processed accurately and remain compliant with local regulations.
• Monitor compliance with country-specific payroll legislation, tax requirements, social insurance contributions, and data privacy regulations; escalate risks and recommend solutions as needed.
• Lead payroll audits, data validations, and quality assurance reviews to improve payroll accuracy and reduce operational risk.
• Drive continuous improvement by identifying automation opportunities, improving documentation, standardizing processes, and implementing scalable solutions.
• Participate in Workday enhancements, payroll system implementations, integrations, and testing activities while serving as a payroll subject matter expert.
• Build and maintain partnerships with payroll vendors by evaluating service performance and ensuring compliance with service level agreements.
• Analyze payroll trends, metrics, and recurring issues and recommend process improvements and operational efficiencies.
• Provide guidance and knowledge sharing to payroll team members on complex international payroll matters.
• Provide backup support for U.S. payroll processing as needed.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional payroll projects and other strategic initiatives.
• Assist with additional responsibilities and special projects as business needs evolve.

Requirements

• 4+ years of progressive payroll experience, including ownership of multi-country payrolls (North America, EMEA, India, and Ireland)
• Demonstrated experience independently managing international payroll operations across multiple countries and payroll providers
• Strong working knowledge of Workday HCM and payroll integrations; experience with cloud-based payroll platforms required
• Comprehensive understanding of international payroll compliance, including tax regulations, statutory deductions, social contributions, year-end reporting, and data privacy requirements
• Experience partnering with third-party global payroll providers such as ADP, Ernest & Young, UHY (Hacker Young) or similar vendors
• Advanced Excel skills, including data analysis, reconciliations, pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and reporting
• Proven ability to analyze complex payroll data, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions
• Experience supporting payroll accounting activities, including reconciliations, and month-end close processes
• Demonstrated success leading process improvements, automation initiatives, system implementations, or operational projects
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple payroll calendars, competing priorities, and tight deadlines
• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills across HR, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Legal, and external vendors
• High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality
• Thrives as an independent individual contributor while collaborating across global teams

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional payroll certification (CPP, FPC, CIPP, or equivalent) is a plus

Compensation & Benefits

In addition to salary, you will be eligible for an equity package, an annual performance bonus, and competitive benefits that support you and your family. Base salary is determined by your location, skills, and experience.

Salary ranges by geographic pay zone:

• Geo-1: 100,000.00 - 136,000.00 USD Annual
• Geo-2: 90,000.00 - 122,000.00 USD Annual

Location

Candidates are prioritized based within commutable distance of the Brooklyn Office. Depending on proximity, team members are expected to come in once or twice per week. Remote candidates outside commutable distance may be considered on a case-by-case basis, with the expectation of occasional travel to the office.