Group Head of Payroll (Operations & Transformation)

ROLE:                               Group Head of Payroll (Operations & Transformation)

LOCATION:                      Dublin

Barden is delighted to be partner with our Client to support the appointment of a ‘Group Head of Payroll (Operations & Transformation)’.

“We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Group Head of Payroll (Operations & Transformation) to lead and transform its global payroll function. Based in Dublin, this role combines operational excellence with innovation, driving process improvements, automation, and integration across a fast-growing, acquisition-driven organization. The ideal candidate will shape the organisations global payroll vision, lead transformation initiatives, and deliver value through collaboration, compliance, and best practices in a truly global environment. Global HR Transformation Director

 ABOUT THE ROLE:

Our Client is looking for a smart, ambitious & agile person to lead their Group Payroll function focused on process improvement, automation and innovation based in Dublin.

What will you be doing:

• The Payroll function is a key department within the People function and provides all aspects of Payroll processing and reconciliation. The principles and smooth running of this function is fundamental to the group. Through rigorous, collaborative, and long-term thinking the Payroll function helps achieve the groups ambitious objectives
• As the Group Head of Payroll you will be responsible for developing and executing the organisations global payroll vision and strategy, while ensuring operational excellence within the team and regular processes
• You will enable service levels and governance structures between the payroll function, the business and other key stakeholder groups, such as People and Finance. The role will provide value to the business by supporting and executing on process optimisation and larger scale transformational programs and will encompass the following responsibilities:
  • Lead on payroll operational and strategic initiatives
  • Lead and manage payroll teams and vendor relationships across the Group
  • Develop the overall payroll strategy and manage the transformational roadmap including governance, procedural and technological requirements
  • Enable adoption of the organisation’s payroll model to streamline processes and aid operational efficiencies and drive compliance
  • Oversee end-to-end global payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing across the Group
  • Agree and monitor key service level agreements (SLAs) and metrics with payroll vendors, regional controllers, People and Finance teams.
  • Stay abreast of leading payroll practices to inform strategic direction and continuous process improvement
  • Collaborate with key functions/stakeholders on transformation initiatives to leverage cross-process improvement opportunities
  • Provide strategic guidance, insight, and analysis on payroll related items to senior leadership and stakeholders within the business
  • Be responsible for the year end external audit of the payroll functions

• We need more than people who are good with numbers. We need people who can take the lessons learned and scale the function to fit a truly global organization
• In your spare time, we need you to evangelize the organisations way of doing things among our new colleagues as we continue to consolidate in the industry. Dublin and London are the centres of excellence, and your new colleagues will look to you for leadership

ABOUT THE PERSON:

• The Group Head of Payroll role requires a blend of global payroll processing and accounting, presentation skills, data management, and technological know-how, as well as the ability to demonstrate strong business acumen and excellent financial judgment in supporting the business by driving payroll transformation and process improvement

Proven previous experience for this role would include:

• Minimum of 10+ years of payroll experience operating within a complex group function.
• Experience with payroll operations leadership and/or payroll process and implementation
• Strong functional knowledge of core end-to-end global payroll processes and procedures on international payroll
• Experience of complex payroll technical transformations
• Experience of post-merger integration of acquired entities.
• Experience of ADP product suite, NetSuite or similar ERP and/or Power BI
• Experience in managing the complexities of a global payroll function and foster relationships with payroll teams and other key stakeholders

We’ve also found other common attributes among those who succeed in similar roles within the organisation:

• Strong leadership and people management skills to lead and motivate a diverse team
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively to both internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to assess and articulate business requirements, analyse options, and drive change
• Ability to work on multiple tasks simultaneously, while ensuring tasks are completed on time in a fast-paced, rapidly changing environment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate complex information in a succinct manner to the stakeholders
• Strong skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word)

Minimum qualifications:

• Payroll Management Degree or equivalent through experience
• 1 or 2.1 degree in any field preferred