Global Payroll Manager

Canonical; Deutschland; Hybrid; EUR 90.000 - 130.000; Vollzeit

Zusammenfassung

Canonical is seeking a Global Payroll Manager to scale payroll operations across countries and support a remote international workforce. You will lead a team, drive automation, and ensure compliance and data integrity while delivering an exceptional employee experience.

The role reports to the Global Financial Controller and offers a home-based setup in EMEA time zones with the option to be based in our London office.

Qualifikationen

• Multi-country/global payroll experience required.
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance and internal controls.
• Experience leading payroll audits and regulatory compliance.
• Proficiency with payroll systems and HRIS platforms.
• Excellent English communication and stakeholder management.

Aufgaben

• Collaborate with HR, Accounting, and payroll providers to support payroll operations.
• Manage end-to-end payroll operations across countries.
• Review, validate, and approve payrolls prior to processing.
• Establish and maintain payroll controls for data accuracy and compliance.
• Perform payroll and salary cost analyses and explain variances.
• Ensure compliance with payroll tax, statutory, reporting and employment requirements.
• Serve as primary contact for payroll-related audits.
• Monitor regulatory changes impacting payroll processes and controls.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance accuracy, scalability and experience.
• Document and maintain payroll policies, procedures and controls.
• Maintain relationships with payroll vendors and service providers.

Kenntnisse

Payroll management

Leadership

Auditing

Analytics

HRIS

Automation

Process improvement

Ausbildung

Accounting/Finance degree

Tools

Payroll software

Jobbeschreibung

We are hiring a Global Payroll Manager , ideally a candidate who thrives on building scalable systems, automating manual processes, and creating operational excellence in a high growth technology environment.

We are looking for a leader who combines deep payroll expertise with a systems oriented mindset. You should be passionate about process improvement, automation, and leveraging technology to increase accuracy, efficiency, transparency, and employee satisfaction. Experience supporting a remote, international workforce is highly valued, as is a genuine interest in the software and technology industry.

This is a management position which requires confidence in setting direction, driving excellence, managing priorities, developing team members, and communicating effectively with stakeholders across the business. As we continue to grow globally, you will play a key role in scaling our payroll infrastructure and raising the standard for operational excellence. This role will report to the Global Financial Controller.

Location: This role is home-based in EMEA time zones, with the option to be based in our London office.

The role entails

• Collaborate with HR, Accounting, Accounts Payable, Treasury, Financial Planning & Analysis, and external payroll providers to support payroll operations and compliance
• Manage end-to-end payroll operations across different countries, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing
• Review, validate, and approve payrolls prior to final processing
• Establish and maintain strong payroll controls to ensure data accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency
• Perform payroll and salary cost analyses, investigating and explaining variances
• Ensure compliance with all applicable payroll tax, statutory, reporting, and employment-related requirements across jurisdictions
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related audits, coordinating responses to internal and external audit requests
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes that may impact payroll processes, controls, or compliance obligations
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance payroll accuracy, scalability, and the employee experience
• Continue to develop, document, and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Maintain strong relationships with payroll vendors and service providers, ensuring service levels and deliverables are met
• Incorporate industry best practices, emerging technology, including AI, to improve reporting quality, efficiency, and accuracy
• Lead, mentor and coach a team of global payroll professionals
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements while identifying and managing compliance risks.

What we are looking for in you

• An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university
• An undergraduate degree in Accounting or Finance, or a compelling narrative about your alternative chosen path
• Significant payroll experience supporting multi-country and/or global payroll operations
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, taxation, and internal controls
• Experience managing payroll audits and regulatory requirements
• Proficiency with payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and spreadsheet-based analysis
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reconciliation skills
• Leadership and commitment to skills development and mentorship
• The work ethic and confidence to shine alongside motivated colleagues
• A track record of going above-and-beyond expectations
• Professional written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability
• Appreciative of diversity, polite, and effective in a multi-cultural, multi-national organization
• Thoughtfulness and self-motivation
• Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments
• Ability to travel internationally twice a year for company events up to two weeks long

In addition we expect that you will match our values, by being:

• Precise, taking care to deliver correctness and clarity
• Reliable, delivering high quality work that builds trust and confidence
• Accessible, collaborating to build products and systems that are usable
• Adroit, blending enthusiasm, knowledge, adaptability, style and character

Nice-to-have skills

• Experience implementing or optimizing payroll platforms and HRIS systems
• Payroll management experience in publicly traded or pre-IPO companies
• A passion for technology and a desire to work with motivated colleagues
• Experience supporting rapid expansion, including new country payroll launches
• A passion for technology and a desire to work with motivated colleagues
• MBA or other relevant business degree

What we offer colleagues

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We assess performance and revisit compensation twice annually to ensure we recognize …