Head of Global Payroll

Informa Group .•Newton, MA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is based in our Newton, MA office. Job Overview We are seeking an experienced and strategic Global Payroll Manager to lead and manage the global payroll function following a recent business merger. This role will oversee payroll operations for entities across the US, EMEA, and APAC regions, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in payroll processing. The Global Payroll Manager will lead a geographically dispersed team, ensuring the right skills and resources are in place, driving process improvements, and implementing new systems and ways of working to enhance payroll operations. The role will also involve resolving escalated payroll queries, ensuring compliance with local regulations, and collaborating closely with Finance and HR teams to align payroll processes with broader organizational goals. Reporting to the Director of Global Shared Services & Transformation, this is a critical leadership role that offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the organization’s payroll operations during a period of transformation and growth. Why Join Us? This is an exciting opportunity to lead a global payroll function during a period of transformation and growth. As the Global Payroll Manager, you will have the chance to make a significant impact by driving process improvements, implementing new systems, and building a high-performing team. You will work closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to shape the future of the payroll function and contribute to the success of the organization.

Requirements

Proven experience managing a global payroll function, including leading geographically dispersed teams.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
In-depth knowledge of payroll systems, processes, and best practices.
Experience with global payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Workday, SAP, or similar) and payroll automation tools.
Familiarity with multi-currency payroll processing and regional compliance requirements.
Demonstrated ability to identify and implement process improvements and drive operational efficiencies.
Experience with system implementation and digital transformation initiatives.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
Proactive approach to resolving escalated issues and managing complex situations.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with internal and external stakeholders across regions.
Strong collaboration skills to work effectively with cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
7+ years of experience in payroll management, with at least 3 years in a global leadership role.
Knowledge of regulatory requirements and compliance standards across US, EMEA, and APAC regions.
Project management experience, particularly in system implementation or process transformation

Nice To Haves

Experience in a shared services environment is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

Oversee payroll operations for entities across US, EMEA, and APAC regions, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing.
Manage a team of payroll professionals based in the US and overseas, ensuring the right skills, resources, and locations are aligned with business needs.
Coordinate with in-country payroll providers, vendors, and third-party administrators
Review and approve payroll outputs, reports, and payment files before processing
Manage payroll-related queries and resolve escalated issues from employees and stakeholders
Ensure proper integration between HRIS, time tracking, and payroll systems
Cross-collaborate with HR teams to ensure on time and accurate payroll processing
Provide leadership, coaching, and development opportunities to the global payroll team, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
Monitor team performance and ensure alignment with organizational goals and objectives.
Provide training and guidance to HR and finance teams on payroll matters
Build and maintain strong cross-functional partnerships
Ensure compliance with local payroll regulations, tax laws, and reporting requirements across all regions.
Stay updated on changes in payroll legislation and implement necessary adjustments to processes and systems
Manage statutory reporting requirements including tax filings, social security, and pension contributions
Coordinate payroll audits and respond to regulatory inquiries
Maintain compliance with data privacy regulations (GDPR, etc.) for payroll data
Ensure adherence to internal controls and SOX requirements for payroll processes
Develop and implement global payroll policies, procedures, and best practices
Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies within the payroll function to streamline operations and reduce costs.
Drive standardization of payroll processes across regions, ensuring consistency and compliance with company policies.
Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, and optimization projects
Collaborate with IT and other stakeholders to ensure successful system integration and adoption.
Prepare and analyze payroll reports for management, finance, and HR stakeholders
Monitor payroll metrics including accuracy rates, timeliness, and cost efficiency
Support month-end, quarter-end, and year-end close processes
Provide payroll data for budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning
Conduct payroll reconciliations and variance analysis