Global Payroll Manager
WFA Digital Insight
The demand for skilled payroll managers has surged in recent years, with the global payroll market expected to grow significantly by 2027. As companies expand internationally, the need for experts who can navigate complex payroll regulations and manage global teams has become increasingly important. With its presence in over 100 countries, Ashland offers a unique opportunity for a Global Payroll Manager to lead a team and drive process improvements. Candidates should be aware that this role requires a deep understanding of payroll operations, tax regulations, and data privacy requirements. According to recent statistics, companies that invest in payroll automation and process improvement see significant reductions in errors and costs.
Job Description
About the Role
As a Global Payroll Manager at Ashland, you will be responsible for overseeing the end-to-end global payroll operations across multiple countries, locations, and pay groups. Your expertise will ensure that payroll processing is accurate, compliant, and completed on time. You will lead a global team and report to the Director of Global HR Services, collaborating closely with various stakeholders, including HR, Finance, Tax, Legal, and IT.Your day-to-day responsibilities will involve managing payroll reconciliations, investigating and resolving variances, and ensuring compliance with applicable payroll, tax, wage, and hour regulations. You will also serve as the primary point of contact for payroll audits and controls testing, providing documentation and evidence as needed.
Ashland is a leading specialty chemicals company with a presence in over 100 countries. The company's vision is to be a leader in its industry, and it relies on talented professionals like you to drive its success.
What You Will Do
- Lead global payroll operations across multiple countries, locations, and pay groups
- Implement, document, maintain, and continuously improve standard operating procedures and controls
- Perform and/or oversee payroll reconciliations, including gross-to-net, funding, tax, and general ledger interfaces
- Investigate and resolve variances, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations
- Serve as primary point of contact for payroll audits and controls testing
- Manage relationships with third-party providers, ensuring service levels, issue resolution, and contract/SLA adherence
- Partner cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Tax, Legal, and IT to resolve escalations and support business initiatives
- Develop and report key performance metrics and analytics, presenting insights and process improvement recommendations to leadership
- Lead, coach, and develop payroll team members, setting priorities and providing training to ensure consistent execution of global standards
- Oversee testing, upgrades, process changes, and integrations for payroll systems, such as Workday/Paycom and SAP
What We Are Looking For
- Degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related experience
- 8-10 years of experience managing a multi-country payroll function with full-scope responsibility for reconciliations, internal controls, payroll taxes, and general ledger integration
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Strong leadership, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving abilities
- Outstanding communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to interact with members of the executive team on related tax matters
- 3-5 years of experience working with and processing stock awards, defined contribution plans, and other bonus schemes
- Proven development and application of key performance metrics and analytics
- Confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive company information
Nice to Have
- Experience with Workday HCM, Paycom payroll, and SAP general ledger
- Professional certification, such as a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP)
- Strong process improvement mentality with the ability to leverage AI and other tools to drive automation and efficiencies
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunity to work with a leading specialty chemicals company
- Collaboration with a global team of professionals
- Professional development and growth opportunities
- Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
- Flexible working arrangements and remote work options
- Comprehensive health and wellness programs
- Generous paid time off and holiday policies
How to Stand Out
- Familiarize yourself with global payroll regulations and laws to demonstrate your expertise during the application process.
- Highlight your experience with payroll systems, such as Workday/Paycom and SAP, and be prepared to provide specific examples of your proficiency.
- Showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills by providing examples of how you have resolved complex payroll issues in the past.
- Prepare to discuss your experience with stock awards, defined contribution plans, and other bonus schemes, and be able to explain how you have managed these programs effectively.
- Be prepared to provide examples of your leadership and team management experience, including how you have coached and developed team members to achieve their goals.
- Research Ashland's company culture and values to demonstrate your understanding of the company's vision and mission.
- Consider obtaining professional certifications, such as a Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), to increase your chances of being selected for the role.
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