Global Payroll Leader: Scale & Automate Worldwide (Remote)

your Jared; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning budget

Wellness platform

Compensation review

Travel opportunities

Team sprints

Leave policies

Job summary

Canonical is seeking a Global Payroll Manager to lead end‑to‑end payroll across multiple countries, with a systems‑oriented mindset and a passion for automation. This home‑based role (EMEA time zones) offers London office options and reports to Global Financial Controller.

You will drive compliance, controls, audits, and process improvements across a fast‑growth tech environment. You will collaborate with HR, Accounting, and external providers, scale payroll infrastructure, and mentor a global

Qualifications

• Significant payroll experience supporting multi-country and/or global 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 analysis.
• Excellent English communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with HR, Accounting, and external payroll providers to support operations and compliance.
• Manage end-to-end payroll operations across countries with accuracy and timeliness.
• Review, validate, and approve payrolls prior to processing.
• Establish payroll controls to ensure data accuracy and compliance.
• Perform payroll and salary cost analyses and investigate variances.
• Ensure compliance with payroll tax, statutory, and reporting requirements.
• Lead payroll audits and coordinate responses to requests.
• Monitor regulatory changes affecting payroll processes and controls.
• Drive automation and continuous improvement to enhance scalability and employee experience.
• Develop and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Maintain relationships with payroll vendors and ensure service levels.
• Incorporate AI and technology to improve reporting quality and efficiency.
• Lead, mentor, and coach a team of payroll professionals.

Skills

Payroll management

Multi-country payroll

Automation

Leadership

Regulatory compliance

Education

Accounting or Finance degree

Tools

HRIS platforms

Payroll systems

Excel

Job description

Canonical is seeking a Global Payroll Manager to lead end‑to‑end payroll across multiple countries, with a systems‑oriented mindset and a passion for automation. This home‑based role (EMEA time zones) offers London office options and reports to Global Financial Controller.

You will drive compliance, controls, audits, and process improvements across a fast‑growth tech environment. You will collaborate with HR, Accounting, and external providers, scale payroll infrastructure, and mentor a global