Global Payroll Specialist

Etsy•Brooklyn, NY

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

Etsy is seeking a Global Payroll Specialist to own and execute end-to-end payroll operations for assigned international countries. This role ensures accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across multiple regions. The specialist will act as a subject matter expert for international payroll, collaborating with People Operations, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Equity, external payroll providers, and other stakeholders to deliver an excellent employee experience and drive operational excellence. The position requires a proactive, service-oriented professional capable of independently managing complex payroll issues, identifying process improvements, and leading initiatives to enhance payroll accuracy, scalability, and compliance. This is a full-time position reporting to the Payroll Manager. In addition to salary, the role is eligible for an equity package, an annual performance bonus, and competitive benefits. The role requires presence in Etsy’s Brooklyn Office once or twice per week.

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, with the ability to build trusted partnerships 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 effectively collaborating across global teams.

Nice To Haves

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

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 a high level of customer service and urgency.
Partner with external payroll providers to validate payroll inputs, review outputs, reconcile variances, manage funding timelines, and ensure all reporting deadlines are met.
Review and reconcile payroll data between Workday and third-party payroll systems, proactively identifying discrepancies and driving timely resolution.
Collaborate with Finance and Accounting on payroll funding, journal entries, accruals, month-end close activities, and payroll account reconciliations.
Partner closely 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, escalating risks and recommending solutions as needed.
Lead payroll audits, data validations, and quality assurance reviews to improve payroll accuracy and reduce operational risk.
Drive continuous improvement initiatives 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 strong partnerships with payroll vendors, evaluating service performance and ensuring compliance with service level agreements.
Analyze payroll trends, metrics, and recurring issues to recommend process improvements and operational efficiencies.
Provide guidance and knowledge sharing to payroll team members while acting as a trusted resource for 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.