[Hiring] Global Payroll Manager @Canonical

Role Description

We are hiring a Global Payroll Manager, ideally a candidate who thrives on building scalable systems, automating manual processes, and creating operational excellence in a high growth technology environment. This is a management position which requires confidence in setting direction, managing priorities, developing team members, and communicating effectively with stakeholders across the business. As we continue to grow globally, you will play a key role in scaling our payroll infrastructure and raising the standard for operational excellence. This role will report to the Global Financial Controller.

Location: This role is home-based in EMEA time zones, with the option to be based in our London office.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with HR, Accounting, Accounts Payable, Treasury, Financial Planning & Analysis, and external payroll providers to support payroll operations and compliance.
• Manage end-to-end payroll operations across different countries, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Review, validate, and approve payrolls prior to final processing.
• Establish and maintain strong payroll controls to ensure data accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Perform payroll and salary cost analyses, investigating and explaining variances.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable payroll tax, statutory, reporting, and employment-related requirements across jurisdictions.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related audits, coordinating responses to internal and external audit requests.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes that may impact payroll processes, controls, or compliance obligations.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance payroll accuracy, scalability, and the employee experience.
• Continue to develop, document, and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Maintain strong relationships with payroll vendors and service providers, ensuring service levels and deliverables are met.
• Incorporate industry best practices, emerging technology, including AI, to improve reporting quality, efficiency, and accuracy.
• Lead, mentor and coach a team of global payroll professionals.
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements while identifying and managing compliance risks.

Qualifications

• An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university.
• An undergraduate degree in Accounting or Finance, or a compelling narrative about your alternative chosen path.
• Significant payroll experience supporting multi-country and/or global payroll operations.
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, taxation, and internal controls.
• Experience managing payroll audits and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency with payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and spreadsheet-based analysis.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reconciliation skills.
• Leadership and commitment to skills development and mentorship.
• The work ethic and confidence to shine alongside motivated colleagues.
• A track record of going above-and-beyond expectations.
• Professional written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability.
• Appreciative of diversity, polite, and effective in a multi-cultural, multi-national organization.
• Thoughtfulness and self-motivation.
• Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments.
• Ability to travel internationally twice a year for company events up to two weeks long.

Requirements

• Experience implementing or optimizing payroll platforms and HRIS systems.
• Payroll management experience in publicly traded or pre-IPO companies.
• A passion for technology and a desire to work with motivated colleagues.
• Experience supporting rapid expansion, including new country payroll launches.
• MBA or other relevant business degree.

Benefits

• We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide.
• Performance-driven annual bonus or commission.
• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person.
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year.
• Bi-annual compensation review.
• Company recognition rewards.
• 40 days annual leave per annum, including public holidays and our All Company holiday periods.
• Maternity and paternity leave.
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform.
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues, with Priority Pass for lounge access.