Sr. Global Payroll Specialist

Overview

A global organization is seeking a highly motivated Senior Global Payroll Specialist to join their finance team. This role involves leading global payroll operations and serving as the internal subject matter expert for payroll-related tax compliance. The specialist will manage the end-to-end payroll lifecycle across the US and Rest of World (ROW) regions, ensuring accurate employee payments and compliance with tax authorities worldwide.

Responsibilities

Global Payroll Operations

• Own and execute full-cycle payroll processing for US (multi-state) and international entities with 100% accuracy and timeliness.
• Manage data and workflows across multiple platforms, including ADP and international payroll systems such as Oyster and Activpayroll.
• Collaborate with People Operations, Benefits, and Accounting teams to ensure all payroll inputs (equity, bonuses, fringe benefits) are captured and reconciled.

Payroll Tax & Registration Ownership

• Take direct ownership of all payroll-related tax withholdings, employer burdens, and statutory contributions globally (limited to employer/employee payroll taxes, excluding corporate or income tax).
• Oversee payroll providers to ensure accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and annual tax filings.
• Manage payroll tax account registrations in all active jurisdictions and lead the setup of new tax IDs for expansions.
• Serve as the primary contact for resolving payroll tax notices or inquiries from local, state, or national agencies (e.g., IRS, HMRC).

Audit & Process Improvement

• Manage internal and external payroll audits, ensuring compliance with local labor laws and proper documentation.
• Continuously evaluate and improve payroll processes to eliminate manual workarounds and enhance efficiency.

Requirements

• 8-12 years of high-volume, multi-region payroll experience with proven ownership of payroll processing across various global jurisdictions.
• Expert-level proficiency in ADP payroll systems.
• Experience with Hibob HRIS, Oyster Payroll, and Activpayroll is highly valued.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies in large datasets.
• Strong communication skills to translate complex payroll and tax concepts into clear, actionable information.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to work cross-functionally across departments.
• Self-driven, highly motivated, and coachable.
• Experience working in an AI-forward environment, utilizing AI tools and technologies for daily work, problem-solving, and continuous learning.
• Located in Eastern Time (ET) or Central Time (CT) zones is highly preferred due to the global nature of the role.
• Willingness to travel minimally.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to build strong partnerships across Finance, Legal, and People Operations.
• Comfortable navigating multiple payroll and HR systems simultaneously.
• Commitment to continuous learning and feedback.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $110,000 - $120,000, based on skills and experience.

Location

• Preference for candidates located in ET or CT time zones due to global coordination requirements.

This role offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, innovative environment where contributions have meaningful impact on global payroll operations and compliance.