Manager, North America Payroll

Workday, Inc.; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 165,000; Full time

Job summary

Workday, Inc. seeks a highly experienced Payroll Manager to lead regional and international payroll operations. You will manage in-house payroll for the US and Canada using Workday and coordinate with third-party vendors for Mexico and Costa Rica, while ensuring compliance and timely processing.

The role requires 8+ years in payroll within a public or high-growth company, plus 2+ years in a leadership capacity, and strong knowledge of US/Canada tax rules and SOX controls.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in a high-growth or public company with at least 2 years in a team lead/manager role.
• 5+ years processing in-house payroll on an ERP.
• CPP or FPC designation is strongly desired.
• Hands-on experience with the Workday Payroll product is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Mentor a decentralized global payroll team and foster a shared vision.
• Oversee global payroll operations and SOX controls.
• Manage in-house payroll for US/Canada using Workday; coordinate with vendors for Mexico and Costa Rica.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing and regulatory compliance across regions.

Skills

Payroll management

Global team leadership

Workday payroll

US/Canada payroll

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR

Tools

Workday Payroll

Job description

Your work days are brighter here. We’re obsessed with making hard work pay off, for our people, our customers, and the world around us. As a Fortune 500 company and a leading AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, we’re shaping the future of work so teams can reach their potential and focus on what matters most. The minute you join, you’ll feel it. Not just in the products we build, but in how we show up for each other. Our culture is rooted in integrity, empathy, and shared enthusiasm. We’re in this together, tackling big challenges with bold ideas and genuine care. We look for curious minds and courageous collaborators who bring sun-drenched optimism and drive. Whether you're building smarter solutions, supporting customers, or creating a space where everyone belongs, you’ll do meaningful work with Workmates who’ve got your back. In return, we’ll give you the trust to take risks, the tools to grow, the skills to develop and the support of a company invested in you for the long haul. So, if you want to inspire a brighter work day for everyone, including yourself, you’ve found a match in Workday, and we hope to be a match for you too.

About the Team

The Global Payroll team is a dynamic, fast-paced, and cross-cultural unit dedicated to delivering accurate, on‑time payroll operations and exceptional service to employees worldwide. Built on a culture of continuous learning, transparency, and collaboration, our team works closely with HR, Finance, and cross‑functional technology partners to drive operational excellence and scale our systems alongside business growth. In this role, you will lead a decentralized regional team of Payroll Analysts based across Atlanta, Salt Lake City, and India. You will foster a supportive, customer‑service–oriented environment where continuous improvement, clear communication, and professional development are at the center of everything we do.

About the Role

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Payroll Manager to join our global team. Our employees are at the core of our business, which means the ideal candidate has a passion for managing and motivating people, growing talent, and building high‑performing teams. In this role, you will lead regional and international payroll operations. You will directly manage in‑house payroll processing using the Workday Payroll product for the United States and Canada, while coordinating with third‑party vendors for Mexico and Costa Rica payroll processing.

Responsibilities

• Mentor direct reports by being a role model and develop a keen sense of shared vision across your decentralized global team.
• Oversee overall global payroll operations.
• Manage in‑house payroll processing using the Workday Payroll product for the US and Canada, while coordinating with 3rd party payroll service providers for Mexico and Costa Rica.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for employees, complying with local regulations and tax laws.
• Stay up‑to‑date with labor laws and tax regulations across the US, Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica, ensuring full compliance with local authorities.
• Oversee payroll regulatory filings, tax reconciliations, and interactions with statutory entities (such as the IRS and CRA).
• Maintain confidential employee data, including payroll records, tax information, and other relevant details.
• Collaborate with peer Payroll Managers, HR, Finance, and other departments to manage payroll‑related inquiries, resolve issues, and provide assistance to employees.
• Partner with Workday teams to design and implement cross‑functional process improvements, uptake new system functionality, and support initiatives that scale with business growth.
• Oversee relationships with 3rd party payroll service providers in LATAM to ensure adherence to service level agreements.
• Utilize the Workday Payroll product and automation tools to streamline processes, limit manual tasks, and improve overall efficiency.
• Own SOX controls for global payroll functions, conduct internal audits, and ensure proper accounting for payroll expenses and tax liabilities.
• Provide training and support to payroll staff to enhance their skills and knowledge.
• Identify opportunities to optimize processes, monitor key performance metrics, and enhance the overall payroll function.
• Oversee internal and cross‑functional projects on the payroll team, contributing prioritization and maintaining roadmap commitments.
• Create and maintain visibility to operational and project status for leadership.

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of increasing experience in a high growth or public company, with at least 2+ years in a team lead / manager function.
• 5+ years processing in‑house payroll on an ERP.
• Proven experience directly managing a decentralized or global team.
• Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, HR; relevant work experience considered.

Other Qualifications

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or Fundamental Payroll Certification (FPC) designation is strongly desired.
• Hands‑on experience with the Workday Payroll product is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of payroll principles, tax regulations, and labor laws across the US and Canada, as well as working knowledge of managed payroll models in Mexico and Costa Rica.
• Prior experience in managing payroll for employees across multiple countries and overseeing 3rd party vendors is highly desirable.
• Strong analytic and critical thinking skills with the ability to analyze complex data, perform tax reconciliations, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
• Considerable experience effectively leading cross‑functional projects and working within tight deadlines.
• Detail oriented, accurate, and organized, with a sense of urgency.
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to interface with all levels of management.
• Shows initiative, flexibility, and follow‑through.
• Customer service focused and solution oriented.
• Ability to work with internal and external partners in other countries.
• Proficient knowledge of accounting, HCM, and payroll systems.
• Strong computer skills, including Excel and other Microsoft Office tools.

Workday Pay Transparency Statement

The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below. Workday pay ranges vary based on work location. As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Workday Bonus Plan or a role‑specific commission/bonus, as well as annual refresh stock grants.

Primary Location: USA.GA.Atlanta

Primary Location Base Pay Range: $110,200 USD - $165,400 USD

Additional US Location(s) Base Pay Range: $104,700 USD - $186,000 USD

Our Approach to Flexible Work

With Flex Work, we’re combining the best of both worlds: in‑person time and remote. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. We know that flexibility can take shape in many ways, so rather than a number of required days in‑office each week, we simply spend at least half (50%) of our time each quarter in the office or in the field with our customers, prospects, and partners (depending on role). This means you’ll have the freedom to create a flexible schedule that caters to your business, team, and personal needs, while being intentional to make the most of time spent together. Those in our remote "home office" roles also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for important moments that matter.

Pursuant to applicable Fair Chance law, Workday will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Workday is an Equal Opportunity Employer including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

Workday is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals during our application process, in order to perform one or more essential functions of their job, as well as regarding the use of AI tools for employment decision‑making to any degree.

Please see below for more details including how to request an accommodation as a qualified veteran, due to a disability or for religious reasons, or as otherwise provided under applicable law.

Workday prohibits taking adverse action against any candidate or employee for reporting a possible violation of this policy, requesting one or more work accommodations, exercising a privacy right, or cooperating in an investigation in accordance with applicable law.

Any employee who retaliates against a candidate or employee for doing so may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, to the fullest extent allowable under applicable law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation, you may email [e-mail], as far in advance as possible.

Workday is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

Individuals seeking employment at Workday are considered without regards to age, ancestry, color, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, protected family care or medical leave status, race, religion (including beliefs and practices or the absence thereof), sexual orientation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Further, pursuant to applicable local ordinances, Workday will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

We do not accept resumes from headhunters, placement agencies, or other suppliers that have not signed a formal agreement with us.

You may view the Workday's Pay Transparency Policy, and Know Your Rights Notice, by clicking on their corresponding links.

Workday is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals during our application process, in order to perform one or more essential functions of their job, as well as regarding the use of AI tools for employment decision‑making to any degree.

Please see below for more details including how to request an accommodation as a qualified veteran, due to a disability or for religious reasons, or as otherwise provided under applicable law.

Workday prohibits taking adverse action against any candidate or employee for reporting a possible violation of this policy, requesting one or more work accommodation, exercising a privacy right, or cooperating in an investigation in accordance with applicable law.

Any employee who retaliates against a candidate or employee for doing so may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment, to the fullest extent allowable under applicable law.

If you require a reasonable accommodation, you may email [e-mail], as far in advance as possible.