Global Payroll Lead

GQR; Greenwich (CT); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

GQR is seeking a hands-on Global Payroll Lead to own U.S. and international payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions. The role includes end-to-end payroll execution, tax, reconciliations, vendor management, and year-end activities. Hybrid in Greenwich, CT (3 days onsite, 2 days remote) with HR/Finance partnership.

The ideal candidate has 7–10+ years' payroll experience, strong ADP/Workday knowledge, and proven ability to manage multi-country payroll with Excel/data-analysis proficiency.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of progressive, hands-on payroll experience.
• Independent management of complex, multi-state US payroll.
• Strong knowledge of US payroll taxation, deductions, compliance, and year-end requirements.
• Experience overseeing payroll across multiple countries with international providers.
• Advanced knowledge of ADP and Workday.
• Strong Excel and data-analysis capabilities for reconciliations of large payroll datasets.
• Bachelor's degree is required.
• Highly organized with attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full payroll cycle for U.S. and international populations from inputs to final processing and post-payroll close.
• Review payroll results, investigate variances, and ensure accurate funding and reconciliations.
• Oversee multi-state U.S. payroll tax compliance including registrations, filings, notices, and annual reporting.
• Maintain payroll schedules and deadlines across applicable countries.
• Partner with international payroll providers and vendors to manage submissions and issues.
• Establish payroll procedures, controls, and documentation to improve audit readiness.
• Administer Workday time tracking and PTO data, answer questions, and create audits/reports.
• Support payroll launches, system changes, and expansion into new jurisdictions.
• Evaluate processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency and controls.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Multi-state US payroll

US tax compliance

International payroll

Workday

ADP

Excel data analysis

Communication skills

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Workday

ADP

Job description

Our client is seeking a hands-on Global Payroll Lead to own U.S. and international payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions. This person will be responsible for end-to-end payroll execution, including processing, tax, reconciliations, vendor management, and year-end activities. The role will also support payroll expansion, system enhancements, and process improvements while partnering closely with HR and Finance.

Location:

Hybrid in Greenwich, CT (3 days onsite, 2 days remote)

Responsibilities:

• Lead the full payroll cycle for U.S. and international employee populations, from collecting inputs through final processing and post-payroll close.
• Review payroll results, investigate variances, and ensure accurate funding, reconciliations, reporting, and accounting coordination.
• Oversee multi-state U.S. payroll tax compliance, including jurisdictional requirements, registrations, filings, notices, and annual reporting.
• Maintain payroll schedules and ensure all tax, statutory, audit, and year-end deadlines are met across applicable countries.
• Partner with international payroll providers and vendors to manage submissions, troubleshoot issues, and maintain service quality.
• Establish and maintain payroll procedures, controls, documentation, and best practices to improve consistency and audit readiness.
• Administer Workday time tracking and PTO data, including monitoring accuracy, creating audits/reports, and assisting employees with questions.
• Act as a trusted resource for employees and internal stakeholders on payroll and timekeeping matters.
• Support new-state and international payroll launches, system implementations, provider changes, and other payroll-related initiatives.
• Evaluate existing processes and identify opportunities to improve efficiency, automation, accuracy, and controls.

Qualifications, Skills & Education:

• 7–10+ years of progressive, hands-on payroll experience.
• Proven ability to independently manage complex, multi-state U.S. payroll.
• Strong understanding of U.S. payroll taxation, deductions, compliance, and year-end requirements.
• Direct experience overseeing payroll across multiple countries and working with international payroll providers.
• Advanced working knowledge of both ADP and Workday
• Strong Excel and data-analysis capabilities, with the ability to reconcile large amounts of payroll data accurately.
• Bachelor's degree required.
• Highly organized with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication and employee-service skills, with the judgment and professionalism to handle sensitive payroll matters.
• Experience supporting payroll implementations, process improvements, system changes, or expansion into new jurisdictions.