[Hiring] Global Payroll & Reward Specialist @Luno

Role Description

As the Global Payroll & Reward Specialist, you will take end-to-end operational ownership of our global payroll ecosystem, compensation architecture, and total rewards frameworks. You are the operational engine and custodian of calculation precision across all operating entities. You will lead the accuracy of gross to net calculations, variance reconciliations, and regulatory compliance before packages are submitted for approval.

Beyond core payroll delivery, you will lead our compensation review cycles, manage variable pay and operational standby models, and elevate and future-proof our global reward proposition in a progressive, fast-paced tech environment.

Your mission will be:

• Global Payroll Operations, Governance & Accuracy (60%):
  • Manage the full monthly payroll cycle across all regions including South East Asia, Africa, and Europe.
  • Take direct responsibility for calculation integrity, system inputs, and gross-to-net reconciliations prior to sign-off submissions.
  • Partner with the Finance team to distribute global salary payments in accordance with the payroll calendar, preparing payment schedules, journal files, and invoice packages in local currencies while tracking third-party deliverables.
  • Guarantee strict compliance with statutory reporting, deductions, and withholdings globally.
  • Maintain operational governance over third-party’s and platform partners, enforcing SLAs, managing monthly input files, and leading comprehensive annual third-party service reviews.
  • Maintain living Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and runbooks to keep processes continuously audit-ready.
  • Serve as the authoritative, empathetic main point of contact for payroll queries.
• Compensation Strategy, Analytics & Variable Pay (20%):
  • Lead the data modeling and operational rollout of the global compensation review, partnering with People Partners and Finance.
  • Maintain structured salary bands, leveling frameworks, and compa-ratio dashboards against tech industry market benchmarks.
  • Manage and calculate company incentive schemes, discretionary bonuses, and operational standby policies.
  • Deliver regular management reports detailing total workforce costs, fixed vs. variable pay splits, and currency risk exposure.
• Reward Strategy (20%):
  • Benchmark regional benefit packages against top-tier tech standards.
  • Oversee provider administration, enrollments, and monthly premium reconciliations for company schemes.
  • Own the company’s reward principles and pay philosophy.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of specialised Payroll, Compensation and Reward experience managing complex, multi-country payroll and reward operations for a distributed workforce of 400+ employees.
• Demonstrated hands-on operational knowledge of statutory payroll, tax compliance, and benefit regulations in South Africa and the United Kingdom.
• 3+ years of project management experience leading system implementations, process overhauls, or annual compensation and audit initiatives.
• High accountability and personal pride in calculation precision, with an instinct for reconciliation integrity.
• Highly numerate with advanced spreadsheet skills (Google Sheets / Microsoft Excel).
• Comfortable navigating changes in an evolving tech environment.
• People first approach with excellent communication skills.

Requirements

• A tertiary qualification in Finance, Accountancy, Commerce, Human Resources, or equivalent practical experience.
• Industry certifications (e.g., CIPP, GRP, CCP, or regional payroll accreditations) are a distinct plus.

Benefits

• Remote but reachable work policy gives you the freedom to choose between working from home or the office.
• Option to buy and sell up to 5 days leave.
• Excellent private medical insurance.
• Retirement fund benefit.
• Access to Learnably and additional learning platforms for personal and professional development.
• 6 months primary caregiver leave.
• Paw-ternity leave for your furry friend.
• Annual Inspiration Day in addition to your annual leave.
• A collaborative, friendly work community with regular social events.
• Free lunch and snacks.
• 0 fees up to a certain amount with Luno from the day you start.