Payroll Manager

Job Description

Job Description

The International Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing and managing payroll operations across multiple countries and regions. The primary focus will be on ensuring accurate and compliant payroll processing, maintaining payroll data integrity, and coordinating with internal teams and external vendors. This role requires a strong understanding of global payroll regulations, excellent leadership and organizational skills, and the ability to navigate complex payroll scenarios across different jurisdictions.

  Payroll Operations & Processing

•    Oversee end to end payroll operations for U.S. multi state payroll and monthly payroll cycles in India and Canada.

•    Supervise the Payroll Administrator, providing guidance, workload oversight, and performance feedback.

•    Ensure the Payroll Administrator handles routine employee inquiries, data entry, and day to day payroll tasks.

•    Serve as the escalation point for complex payroll issues, sensitive employee concerns, and multi jurisdictional questions.

•    Manage bi weekly U.S. payroll, off cycle payments, bonuses, commissions, and other variable compensation.

•    Review and validate payroll inputs and outputs, ensuring accuracy of employee data, timesheets, benefits, and deductions.

•    Coordinate payroll funding, tax remittances, and statutory payments with Accounting and local banking partners.

•    Support month end close activities, including payroll journal entries, reconciliations, and variance analysis.

•    Lead year end payroll activities, including W 2/T4/TDS reporting, annual statements, and compliance filings.

Payroll Transformation & Process Development

•    Develop, document, and maintain global payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.

•    Identify process gaps and lead initiatives to streamline, automate, and standardize payroll workflows across regions.

•    Partner with HRIS, Finance, and IT to implement payroll system enhancements, integrations, and upgrades.

•    Maintain strong audit trails, reconciliation procedures, and quality assurance practices.

•    Provide training and guidance to HR, Finance, and operational teams on payroll processes and compliance requirements.

Compliance & Risk Management

•    Ensure compliance with payroll regulations, tax laws, and statutory requirements in the U.S., India, and Canada.

•    Monitor regulatory changes and adjust payroll processes accordingly.

•    Conduct periodic payroll audits and support internal and external audit activities.

•    Manage workers’ compensation reporting, 401(k) administration, and other statutory benefit programs.

•    Partner with brokers and vendors to resolve escalated or complex benefit issues.

•    Oversee relationships with global payroll vendors, ensuring service levels are met and evaluating vendor performance.

•    Safeguard payroll data integrity and ensure adherence to data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR).

Other Duties

•    Support cross functional initiatives involving HR, Finance, and IT that impact payroll operations.

•    Participate in system implementations, upgrades, and process improvement projects.

•    Assist with reporting, analytics, and data requests related to payroll and labor costs.

•    Perform additional related duties as assigned to support departmental and organizational goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

•    Bachelor’s degree in Payroll Management, Business Administration, Accounting, or related field preferred.

•    Proven experience managing payroll for the U.S., India, and Canada.

•    7+ years of payroll processing experience in multi state or multi country environments.

•    Experience supervising payroll staff or leading payroll operations.

•    Strong knowledge of global payroll compliance, tax regulations, and labor laws.

•    Experience managing payroll vendors and navigating in country payroll practices.

•    Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, pivot tables, formulas, large datasets).

•    Experience with payroll accounting, journal entries, and reconciliations.

•    Strong analytical, organizational, and problem solving skills with high attention to detail.

•    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion.

•    Proficiency with payroll systems (ADP preferred) and HRIS/timekeeping integrations.

•    Ability to work independently, manage multiple deadlines, and drive continuous improvement.

Preferred

•    Experience in a manufacturing environment.

•    Experience with payroll system implementations or process transformation initiatives.

•    Familiarity with Concur, NetSuite or similar systems.

•    Experience with HRIS platforms such as ADP, or SAP.

•    Payroll certifications (CPP, FPC, CIPP) or project management credentials.

•    Interest in leveraging technology or AI tools to improve payroll efficiency.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

•    Regularly required to talk and hear.

•    Frequently required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, and lift up to 20 lbs.

•    Ability to open filing cabinets, bend, stand, or use step ladders as needed.

ENVIRONMENT:   

•    Office and manufacturing environment.

•    Must comply with all required safety protocols and use protective equipment as needed.

•    This is an on site position, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with lunch break. Occasional variations in time schedule depending on project needs and workload.

•    Requires rotation across all local office locations as part of regular duties.