Global Head of Payroll London

Via is on a mission to create public transportation systems that provide far greater access to jobs, healthcare, and education. Our platform serves as the technology backbone for modern transit networks, transforming antiquated and siloed public transportation systems into smart, data-driven, and efficient digital networks. With hundreds of agency partners around the world, Via is recognized as the leading transportation technology and service provider globally.

You will lead and scale payroll operations across our global footprint, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery for employees across the United States, Europe, Israel, and other international markets supported through employer‑of‑record (EOR) and payroll partners. This role is responsible for global payroll strategy, payroll operations, compliance, vendor management, and payroll technology.

You will build and develop a high‑performing global payroll organization, establish scalable processes and controls, and serve as a key partner to the Finance, Legal, People, and Operations teams. Success in this role requires a hands‑on leader who can operate strategically while remaining close to the details, driving operational excellence in a fast‑paced, high‑growth, and globally distributed environment.

• Lead global payroll operations across all countries and entities, ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing.
• Manage, coach, and develop a team of payroll managers and payroll professionals across multiple regions.
• Establish scalable payroll governance, controls, policies, and operating procedures that support a growing global workforce.
• Own relationships with global payroll providers, Employer of Record partners, tax advisors, and other payroll vendors, ensuring service quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Partner closely with People Operations to ensure the accurate and timely flow of employee data, including new hires, terminations, compensation changes, benefits, leave programs, equity transactions, and organizational changes.
• Partner with Finance, Accounting, Tax, Equity Administration, and Legal to ensure compliance with global payroll regulations and reporting requirements.
• Ensure accurate processing and reporting of equity compensation, including RSUs, stock options, and related payroll tax obligations.
• Drive payroll technology strategy and optimization, including Workday Payroll, global payroll platforms like P&I Loga and iiPay, integrations, automation, reporting, and system implementations.
• Develop meaningful payroll metrics, dashboards, and reporting packages, including headcount reporting, payroll spend analysis, variance analysis, payroll tax reporting, and executive‑level reporting.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll tax filings, registrations, remittances, garnishments, and statutory reporting requirements globally.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes, improve controls, reduce risk, and enhance the employee payroll experience.
• Serve as the senior escalation point for complex payroll matters and drive timely resolution of payroll‑related issues.

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience, including responsibility for multinational payroll operations.
• Demonstrated experience leading global payroll teams across multiple countries and regions.
• Strong understanding of payroll taxes, financial controls, and payroll compliance.
• Proven ability to build scalable payroll processes and lead through periods of growth, change, and system transformation.
• Strong project management skills with experience managing multiple priorities and stakeholders simultaneously.
• Hands‑on leadership style with a willingness to dive into operational details when needed.
• Exceptional analytical, problem‑solving, and process improvement capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization.
• High degree of discretion and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

• Experience with Workday, global payroll platforms (iiPay, P&I Loga, Malam, or similar).
• Experience supporting publicly traded companies and equity compensation payroll processing.
• Experience leading payroll transformations, implementations, and integration projects.
• Familiarity with SOX controls, public company reporting requirements, and audit environments.
• Experience building and mentoring high‑performing payroll teams.

• Competitive compensation including equity.
• Comprehensive health scheme offered through AXA.
• A spacious office near Chancery Lane, with weekly team lunches.
• Partnership with YellowNest, a salary exchange benefit that helps reduce childcare fees for working parents.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – options via Green Commute Initiative (GCI).
• A company recognized for its commitment to social good: One of 17 Ventures that embody the U.N.’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals; Inc. Magazine’s “Best in Business” Awardee in the software category for companies that put purpose before profit.

Via is an equal opportunity employer.