Global Payroll Manager

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead complex global payroll operations for a fast-paced, multi-entity organization based in Los Angeles, California. This long-term contract opportunity is ideal for a senior payroll leader who can balance strategic oversight with hands-on execution across international payroll, compliance, systems, and vendor partnerships.

About the role

The role will serve as a key advisor on payroll matters while helping strengthen processes, reporting, and cross-functional alignment across the business.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll delivery across multiple countries, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on schedule in compliance with local requirements.
• Direct relationships with payroll and benefits providers, including evaluating service quality, resolving issues, and identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Enhance payroll operations through automation, process optimization, and effective use of payroll and HR technology platforms.
• Partner closely with teams such as Human Resources, Finance, and Legal to maintain accurate employee records, benefits data, and organizational changes that affect pay.
• Monitor changing payroll laws and statutory obligations across jurisdictions and maintain controls that support ongoing compliance.
• Contribute to internal and external audit activities by organizing documentation, validating records, and supporting issue resolution.
• Produce regular and on-demand payroll reports for leadership and business stakeholders to support decision-making and workforce planning.
• Handle complex payroll inquiries and escalations from employees and managers with timely research and resolution.
• Serve as a primary payroll stakeholder for timekeeping initiatives, system enhancements, and broader payroll-related projects, including vendor transitions and platform migrations.
• Establish, document, and maintain standard operating procedures to create consistency, accountability, and scalability across payroll operations.

Requirements

• 10+ years of payroll experience, including significant responsibility in enterprise or global payroll environments (3+ countries).
• Demonstrated success managing multi-country and multi-entity payroll operations at scale for large employee populations.
• 5+ years of leadership experience overseeing payroll teams, including managers or team leads across multiple functional areas.
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, tax requirements, and employment regulations across domestic and international jurisdictions.
• Hands-on experience with payroll and HRIS platforms such as ADP Workforce Now, Workday, ADP SmartCompliance or SmartView, and time and attendance systems.
• Background in full-cycle payroll administration, multi-state payroll processing, payroll tax oversight, and high-volume payroll operations.
• Ability to analyze payroll data, prepare executive-level reporting, and resolve complex payroll issues with accuracy and discretion.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, dental, and life and disability insurance.
• Eligibility to enroll in our company 401(k) plan.