Global Payroll Specialist

The Role

The Global Payroll Specialist is responsible for delivering accurate, compliant, and timely payroll across multiple countries while supporting the integration, implementation, and ongoing optimization of global payroll systems. This role partners with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless payroll operations, strong data flows, and adherence to global statutory requirements. The ideal candidate brings deep multi-country payroll knowledge and hands-on experience implementing or migrating payroll platforms.

The postholder will work collaboratively across the business to build a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture that supports both people and business objectives.

Essential Job Duties & Functions

Global Payroll Operations

Execute end-to-end payroll processing for multiple global entities.

Validate payroll inputs (new hires, terminations, benefits, allowances, variable pay, equity, etc.).

Reconcile payroll results and investigate discrepancies.

Manage country-specific payroll calendars and ensure adherence to strict deadlines.

Global Payroll System Integration & Implementation

Lead or support the integration and rollout of new global payroll systems or modules.

Collaborate with HRIS, Finance, and payroll vendors to design system workflows, data mappings, and configuration requirements.

Participate in system testing (UAT), validation, and troubleshooting during implementation phases.

Ensure seamless data integration between HRIS, payroll platforms, time & attendance tools, and financial systems.

Document system processes, data flows, and post-implementation support procedures.

Identify and resolve system-related issues to ensure accuracy, data integrity, and end-to-end process efficiency.

Compliance & Regulatory Management

Maintain adherence to local tax regulations, wage laws, social contributions, and statutory reporting requirements across regions.

Monitor global legislative updates and communicate impact to key stakeholders.

Prepare documentation for audits and support audit readiness.

Vendor & Stakeholder Collaboration

Partner with global payroll vendors and in-country providers, reviewing and approving monthly payroll outputs.

Work closely with People Operations, HRIS, Total Rewards, Accounting, and Finance teams.

Respond to employee payroll inquiries with clarity, accuracy, and professionalism.

Data Integrity, Reporting & Controls

Ensure employee data is accurate across all payroll-related systems.

Perform data audits, reconciliations, and consistency checks across integrated platforms.

Produce payroll reports (labor costs, tax summaries, variance analyses) for HR and Finance.

Continuous Improvement

Evaluate and streamline global payroll processes.

Propose improvements to system functionality, data flow, and cross-country standardization.

Support expansion into new countries by defining payroll requirements and onboarding new payroll vendors or system modules.

Qualifications/Skills

Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, HR, business administration, or a related field or equivalent work experience.

3 – 5+ years of multi-country payroll experience with exposure to global payroll systems.

Hands-on experience with payroll system implementations, integrations, or migrations.

Strong knowledge of global payroll processes, statutory regulations, and in-country compliance.

Proficiency with HRIS and payroll platforms (ADP, Paylocity, BambooHR, Rippling, SAP, etc.).

High level of accuracy, analytical capability, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills.

Ability to manage confidential information with discretion.

Experience in leading or coordinating global payroll transformation or system implementation projects, preferred.

Payroll certifications (CPP, CIPP, GPA), a plus.

Experience in multinational, high-growth, or distributed workforce environments, a plus.

Physical Demands

Willing and eligible to travel internationally, as needed.

Eligible to work in the United States.