Payroll Manager - North America (US & Canada)

At Global Executive, we are currently seeking a Payroll Manager – North America (US & Canada) for one of our most important clients, is a global leader in data and software services, transforming every touchpoint of the vehicle lifecycle into a connected digital experience. With over 300 million transactions processed annually across 90+ countries, we are building a scalable, innovative, and data-driven future.

About the Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations across North America, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for employees in the United States and Canada.

This role will oversee the end-to-end payroll function, including complex multi-state U.S. payroll operations, payroll controls and reconciliations, compliance management, and cross-functional collaboration with Human Resources, Finance, Benefits, and external payroll providers.

The successful candidate will lead a payroll team, drive continuous process improvements, strengthen operational controls, and help deliver an exceptional employee experience while supporting the organization's growth and evolving business needs.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Operations Management

• Lead the end-to-end payroll process for the United States and Canada.

• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for all employees, including regular and off-cycle payrolls.

• Oversee pre-payroll, payroll processing, validation, approval, and post-payroll activities.

• Manage and resolve complex payroll issues and escalations.

• Ensure adherence to payroll calendars, deadlines, and service level expectations.

Compliance & Controls

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local payroll regulations in the United States, as well as relevant Canadian payroll requirements.

• Oversee payroll taxes, deductions, benefits, garnishments, and other payroll-related transactions.

• Stay informed of legislative and regulatory changes impacting payroll operations.

• Coordinate internal and external payroll audits.

• Develop, maintain, and strengthen payroll controls to minimize operational and financial risk.

Payroll Reconciliations & Financial Partnership

• Lead payroll reconciliations and review payroll-related accounts to ensure accuracy and completeness.

• Partner closely with Finance to support month-end close activities, audits, and financial reporting requirements.

• Investigate payroll variances, identify risks, and implement corrective actions as needed.

• Ensure the integrity of payroll data and its proper integration with financial reporting processes.

• Support accurate payroll accounting and compliance reporting.

Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Manage and optimize payroll processes within Workday, ADP Workforce Now, and related systems.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure system effectiveness and operational efficiency.

• Identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and process enhancements.

• Participate in payroll-related transformation, implementation, and system improvement initiatives.

• Drive continuous improvement efforts to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as a trusted partner to Human Resources, Finance, Benefits, and other business stakeholders.

• Manage relationships with external payroll vendors and service providers.

• Act as the primary escalation point for complex payroll inquiries and issues.

• Communicate payroll-related information effectively across multiple levels of the organization.

• Build strong partnerships that support operational excellence and employee satisfaction.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of payroll professionals.

• Establish clear goals, performance expectations, and accountability measures.

• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer service.

• Ensure operational continuity through cross-training and team development.

• Promote high standards of quality, accuracy, and responsiveness across the payroll function.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.

• 5+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience.

• Strong experience managing complex U.S. payroll operations.

• Demonstrated experience with multi-state payroll administration in the United States.

• Experience with payroll reconciliations, controls, and payroll-related financial processes.

• Proven experience leading and developing payroll teams.

• Experience partnering with Human Resources, Finance, and external service providers.

• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, payroll tax regulations, and related legislation.

• Hands-on experience with payroll and HRIS platforms, preferably ADP Workforce Now and Workday.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.

Work Arrangement

• Onsite role (5 days/week) in Westlake, TX