Global Payroll Director

Pinnacle Consulting & Recruitment; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Pinnacle Consulting & Recruitment seeks a Global Director of Payroll to lead and oversee payroll operations across the United States and international regions, including UK, EMEA, and APAC. You will partner with HR, Legal, Finance, Benefits, and external providers to drive excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement.

The role serves as the payroll subject matter expert and leads a global payroll team, implementing standardized governance and robust controls across systems like Workday or

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• CPP designation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead global payroll operations across U.S. and international locations.
• Establish and maintain payroll governance, policies, controls, and SOPs.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing across multiple jurisdictions.

Skills

Leadership

Payroll governance

Compliance

Analytical

Communication

Cross-functional

People management

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting/Finance/Business

CPP designation

Tools

Workday

Ceridian

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Global Director of Payrollto lead and oversee payroll operations across the United States and international regions, including EMEA and APAC. This individual will be responsible for developing a best-in-class global payroll function by ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across multiple jurisdictions while establishing standardized governance, controls, and processes.

This leader will partner closely with Human Resources, Legal, Accounting & Finance, Benefits, regional leaders, and external payroll providers to drive operational excellence, compliance, and continuous improvement. The role serves as the organization's payroll subject matter expert and will lead a global payroll team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead global payroll operations across U.S. and international locations, primarily the UK.
• Establish and maintain payroll governance, policies, controls, and standardized operating procedures.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for employees across multiple payroll cycles and jurisdictions.
• Oversee compliance with federal, state, local, and international payroll laws and regulations.
• Monitor payroll performance through key metrics including accuracy, timeliness, compliance, and vendor performance.
• Identify payroll risks and implement corrective actions and process improvements.
• Oversee payroll calculations including overtime, bonuses, commissions, garnishments, benefit deductions, and paid leave.
• Direct payroll tax compliance, including withholdings, filings, reconciliations, and year-end reporting.
• Serve as the primary contact for payroll tax agencies and external payroll providers.
• Ensure accurate integration between payroll, HRIS, timekeeping, and related systems.
• Partner with Finance on payroll accounting, reconciliations, financial reporting, and month-end close activities.
• Lead payroll system implementations, upgrades, and process optimization initiatives.
• Conduct internal payroll audits and ensure strong internal controls.
• Resolve complex payroll issues and provide guidance on escalated employee matters.
• Develop, mentor, and lead payroll management team members.
• Support payroll integration related to organizational growth, acquisitions, or new office locations.
• Participate in additional strategic initiatives as needed.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field.
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience.
• Experience leading payroll operations across multi-state and multi-country environments.
• Experience managing international payroll operations, preferably including EMEA and APAC.
• Background working with outsourced payroll providers.
• Experience navigating complex payroll compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Professional services or partnership environment experience is a plus.

Skills

• Extensive knowledge of U.S. and international payroll laws and regulations.
• Strong understanding of payroll governance, controls, compliance, and audit readiness.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing high-performing payroll teams.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience with modern HRIS and payroll platforms such as Workday, Ceridian, or similar systems.
• High level of discretion, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead cross-functional and cross-border initiatives.

Leadership

• Lead and develop a global payroll organization, including payroll managers and supervisors.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.