Global Payroll & Compensation Manager

Vaco Recruiter Services; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Financial Services Firm is seeking a Global Payroll & Compensation Manager to oversee the end-to-end payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions and regions. You will lead relationships with global payroll vendors, ensure timely processing, and maintain strict compliance with wage and tax laws while coordinating with Corporate Finance on budgeting and audits.

The role also covers compensation accounting, journal entries, LTIP payouts, and system implementations to improve controls and

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years leading multi-state US and international payroll operations.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Advanced payroll accounting, tax compliance, and HRIS systems experience.

Responsibilities

• Oversee global payroll processing across US and international entities.
• Lead vendor relationships and ensure SLA adherence.
• Publish and manage global payroll calendar and deadlines.
• Ensure compliance with wage, tax, and reporting requirements.
• Prepare journal entries and manage balances for payroll and compensation.
• Support system implementations and process automation.
• Assist ad-hoc HR/Finance projects as needed.

Skills

Global payroll operations

Payroll accounting

Vendor management

Regulatory compliance

Cross-border payroll

Systems leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/BA or related field

Tools

Workday

ADP Global

Deel

Job description

Client: Financial Services Firm

Role: Global Payroll & Compensation Manager

Salary: $120,000 - $140,000/annually + Bonus & Benefits

Location: Midtown, Manhattan - 3 days a week onsite - 2 days WFH

Job Description:

Position Overview

Oversee global payroll operations and compensation accounting across multiple international jurisdictions. This role serves as the functional lead for global vendor relationships, financial reconciliation, system implementations, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Global Payroll Operations & Compliance

• Oversee end-to-end global payroll processing across multi-state US operations and international entities (France, UK, UAE, Australia, Japan, and expanding regions).
• Direct payroll software vendors and third-party global providers to ensure SLA adherence, prompt issue resolution, and streamlined service delivery.
• Publish and maintain the global annual payroll calendar, enforcing key processing deadlines and cross-functional requirements.
• Guarantee strict compliance with international, federal, state, and local wage/hour laws, statutory tax filings, and reporting standards.

Compensation Accounting & Financial Oversight

• Prepare, post, and reconcile all compensation-related journal entries, maintaining granular audit trails and underlying calculations.
• Build and manage budgets, forecasts, and variance analyses for global compensation and benefit costs in partnership with Corporate Finance.
• Manage balance sheet reconciliations for payroll and compensation accounts, resolving variances prior to monthly close.
• Lead statutory audit processes by preparing supporting schedules, internal control documentation, and direct auditor communications.

Payroll Administration & System Management

• Execute compensation initiatives, including base salary adjustments, bonus distributions, and long-term incentive plan (LTIP) payouts.
• Maintain complete accuracy of employee tax profiles, deductions, benefits, and salary data across all systems.
• Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, and integrations to enhance internal controls and process automation.
• Resolve escalated employee inquiries regarding compensation, taxation, and payroll processing.
• Support ad-hoc HR, Finance, and People Operations projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience: 7-10+ years of progressive experience managing multi-state US and international payroll operations, alongside strong payroll accounting exposure.
• Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in payroll accounting, financial reconciliations, tax compliance, and modern HRIS/Payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP Global, Deel, or similar).