Manager - Payroll Governance

Key Responsibilities

1. Governance Framework & Policy Development

- Design, document, and implement a comprehensive payroll governance framework in consultation with the Rewards & Compliance team.

- Establish clear policies, procedures, and control mechanisms tailored to local regulatory requirements and organizational guidelines for each operating country.

- Develop and promote best practices in payroll governance to ensure consistency and compliance.

2. Risk Management & Compliance

- Identify, assess, and monitor payroll-related risks, including payment accuracy, tax compliance, and recordkeeping.

- Ensure compliance with statutory and internal payroll requirements across all employee types (on-roll/off-roll), including commissions, overtime, and incentive plans.

- Conduct scheduled and ad-hoc payroll audits, including payroll records review, reconciliations, and controls testing to detect and address anomalies.

3. Payroll Oversight & Audit

- Safeguard payroll systems and data, ensuring integrity, confidentiality, and security across HR processes and policies.

- Represent payroll in internal and external audits. Prepare and present audit findings, risk assessments, and actionable recommendations to stakeholders.

4. Process Improvement & Systems Management

- Drive continuous improvements in payroll processes to enhance accuracy, governance, and compliance.

- Regularly update governance processes and documentation to reflect changes in local regulations and internal policies.

- Maintain detailed, current records and ensure clear communication of process updates to relevant teams and stakeholders.

5. Reporting & Continuous Improvement

- Generate comprehensive reports on payroll compliance, risks, and audit findings.

- Foster a culture of accountability, ethical conduct, and continuous improvement in payroll governance.

Qualifications & Experience:

- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field.

- Professional certification in Internal Audit (e.g., ACCA, CPA, CIA, CISA) highly preferred.

- 8+ years of experience in payroll governance, internal audit, or compliance, preferably with - exposure to multi-country payroll environments.

- Strong understanding of payroll controls, labor legislation, and risk management.

- High proficiency in payroll systems and data analysis tools.

- Excellent analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills.

- Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French is preferred (for Francophone countries).

- Experience with vendor management (system and compliance) and understanding of background verification (BGV) processes is preferred.