Payroll Lead

Are you an experienced global payroll leader ready to take ownership of a multi-region payroll function? An established international investment firm is seeking a Payroll Lead to oversee payroll operations across the US, UK, Europe, and APAC, and drive ongoing transformation and process automation across the function.

In this senior-level role, you’ll manage payroll delivery end-to-end, partner with Finance and HR, coordinate third-party providers, and ensure accurate reporting, compliance, and exceptional service to employees worldwide. You’ll also play a key part in month-end, year-end, audits, and compensation analysis.

What You’ll Lead

• Oversight of all global payroll cycles (US, UK, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Israel, South Korea, Japan, Spain).
• Accurate processing of joiners/leavers, benefits, salary changes, commissions, allowances, statutory payments, and pension contributions.
• Ensuring compliance with multi-country tax and payroll legislation.
• Month-end, quarter-end, and year-end responsibilities including journals, reconciliations and reporting.
• Acting as a point person for payroll audits and cross-functional coordination.
• Partnering with HR, Finance and external providers to optimise processes and controls.
• Driving process improvements, automation initiatives, and policy development.

What You Bring

• 6–8 years’ payroll experience, including at least 3 years in international/global payroll.
• Strong UK and US payroll knowledge; wider multi-country exposure highly advantageous.
• Understanding of withholding taxes, statutory filings, and reward structures.
• Strong grasp of accounting principles and the financial impact of payroll.
• Experience managing vendors and delivering high-quality stakeholder service.
• Tech-savvy with strong Excel skills.
• Proactive, solutions-driven, analytical mindset with the confidence to challenge and improve existing processes