Global Senior Payroll Associate

Role Purpose The Senior Payroll Associate is a seasoned payroll professional responsible for maintaining the accuracy, compliance, and operational excellence of global payroll functions. This role focuses on payroll data validation, system governance, reporting, and advanced analytics. The Senior Payroll Associate partners strategically with internal stakeholders to gather payroll data, drive process improvements, oversee system enhancements, and actively support global payroll initiatives, audits, and mergers & acquisitions (M&A). Role Summary The Senior Payroll Associate ensures global payroll operations are accurate, validated, and compliant. This role requires deep technical expertise in payroll systems, knowledge of regulatory frameworks, and proficiency in advanced reporting and data analytics. The Senior Payroll Associate collaborates cross-functionally to collect payroll data, resolve discrepancies, load payroll transactions, implement process improvements, and provide actionable insights through data analysis. Core Responsibilities Global Payroll Data Collection & Validation Lead end-to-end validation of payroll data across all regions to ensure accuracy, completeness, and readiness for payroll execution. Perform reconciliations, proactively identify discrepancies, and drive timely resolution. Support preparation and submission of monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll reports. Payroll Calendar, Documentation & Controls Management Maintain global payroll calendars and support the Global Payroll Programs & Product Manager in integrating regulatory or procedural changes into SOPs. Ensure operational controls—including approval workflows, audit checkpoints, and compliance reviews—are consistently applied across all data validation processes. Prepare and provide documentation to support audits, compliance reviews, and governance initiatives. Payroll Operations & Key Stakeholder Liaison Serve as the primary interface between internal payroll teams, regional operations, external vendors, and executive stakeholders. Provide guidance on operational requirements, coordinate deliverables, and ensure alignment on timelines, processes, and compliance. Payroll Product & Technical Ownership Collaborate with the Global Payroll Programs & Product Manager, Product, Engineering, and Payroll teams to implement system enhancements, process automation, and country/entity expansions. Identify system gaps, support troubleshooting of complex payroll system issues, assist with testing, and ensure production readiness prior to rollout or changes. Payroll Initiatives, Compliance & Audit Support Support global payroll initiatives, including process improvements, system updates, automation, and new entity implementations. Assist in internal and external audits by preparing documentation, explaining processes, and ensuring control compliance. Maintain a payroll records library to ensure consistent and orderly record-keeping. Support M&A activities by managing payroll data migration, employee transitions, and vendor coordination to ensure accurate integration. Data Analytics, Insights & Reporting Analyze payroll data to detect anomalies, identify trends, and recommend process improvements. Ensure all payroll data and reports meet accuracy, compliance, and operational standards. Ensure all payroll transactions are correctly loaded and posted, providing the payroll processing teams with full, validated data to proceed efficiently with subsequent payroll cycles. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, or a related field from an accredited institution. 3–5 years of progressive payroll or related experience, preferably in multi-country or global payroll environments. Strong technical knowledge of payroll systems, integrations, and reporting methodologies. Deep understanding of payroll compliance, regulatory requirements, and global governance frameworks. Experience participating in process improvements, payroll initiatives, or system enhancements. Strong analytical skills, with experience in complex reconciliations, data validation, and reporting. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to mentor junior team members.