Head of Global Payroll

About Our Client

Our client is a global organization with operations across multiple countries and more than 5,000 employees worldwide. They are investing in the strategic build-out of their Global Payroll and Time & Attendance function, with an emphasis on operational excellence, compliance, and a meaningfully elevated employee experience. Their HR leadership team values cross-functional collaboration, data-driven decision-making, and the development of high-performing teams across geographically dispersed service centers.

Compensation: $96 – $100 / Hourly (Annually: $200,000 – $210,000)

The Head of Global Payroll will provide strategic oversight of a large, customer-centric global team that delivers payroll and Time & Attendance services across multiple regions for 5,000+ employees. Partnering closely with HR Leadership, this leader will define and drive the strategy, roadmap, and operating model for Global Payroll — spanning US and international operations, compliance, controllership, and the maturation of regional service centers. The role calls for an experienced payroll executive who can pair operational expertise with data-driven insight to elevate the employee experience and build a more advanced, stable global payroll function.

As the Head of Global Payroll, you will:

• Set the strategic vision for the global payroll and Time & Attendance function, defining the roadmap, operating model, and tiered service strategy in partnership with HR Leadership
• Oversee end-to-end global payroll operations across the US and international markets, including processing, compliance, controllership, and analysis of exempt and nonexempt payrolls
• Lead a large, geographically dispersed team providing mentorship, performance coaching, and career development planning to grow successors and retain key talent
• Ensure global compliance with payroll regulations, tax laws, statutory deductions, and labor requirements across all countries of operation
• Manage global payroll vendors and providers, including ADP Globalview, ADP Celergo, Ceridian Excelity, and Kronos Time & Attendance, with associated account reviews and controllership activities
• Mature regional multi-tier service centers defining quality standards and continuously optimizing service delivery and the employee experience
• Drive cross-functional initiatives with HR partners, COEs, and business stakeholders to identify process improvements, scale services, and eliminate errors
• Implement data governance practices and lead training on data processes, controls, and best practices across the payroll function
• Conduct periodic audits and reviews of payroll data to identify discrepancies, errors, or compliance risks, and implement corrective actions
• Bring service delivery channels together at a more advanced state of stability and maturity, aligning processes and standards across all geographies

As the Head of Global Payroll, you have:

• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including strategic leadership of multi-country payroll operations
• In-depth knowledge of global payroll practices, statutory deductions, tax rates, social security requirements, and benefits regulations across multiple countries
• Expert-level payroll knowledge in the US and Canada
• Extensive experience managing relationships with global payroll service providers and vendors
• Established proficiency with payroll platforms such as ADP Globalview, ADP Celergo, Ceridian Excelity, and Kronos Time & Attendance
• Astrong understanding of HRIS systems and their integration with payroll platforms
• Demonstrated the ability to lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing, geographically dispersed team
• Strong communication skills with the ability to partner effectively across all levels of an organization

Preferred:

• Master's degree in a related field
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) certification
• Experience with Ceridian Dayforce

Work Details

• Work Location: Contract Open to remote with preference for Louisville, KY | Louisville, KY required for Direct Hire Consideration
• Placement Type: Contract (3–6 months) or Direct Hire if located or willing to relocate to Louisville, KY
• Estimated Schedule: Full-time
• Travel Requirements: Up to 25%

Employment Requirements

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without current or future sponsorship
• Successful completion of background checks, assessments, or screenings as required by our client

About Willory

Willory is the only staffing and consulting firm solely focused on HR and payroll. We connect exceptional talent with forward-thinking organizations, building relationships that advance careers and strengthen teams. Our purpose is to empower people — including the professionals who join our own team. If you are ready to grow in a role where your expertise in talent acquisition directly fuels the success of HR and payroll professionals across the country, we would love to hear from you.