Global Payroll Manager

Harbor is a rapidly growing, private equity-backed global professional services company investing in its people, technology, and operational capabilities. As a Global Payroll Manager, you will lead the evolution of a multi-country payroll function, combining deep Workday payroll expertise with hands-on operational leadership and the management of a global team of payroll professionals. You will be joining a collaborative global Talent team at an exciting time as we modernize our Payroll and Talent technology.

This role requires a payroll professional who can deliver accurate, compliant payroll across the U.S., UK, Canada, and additional jurisdictions while serving as a subject-matter expert for Workday Payroll. You will partner with Talent, Finance, Technology, vendors, and business leaders to strengthen governance, optimize integrations and configurations, automate controls, and build scalable global payroll operations.

The ideal candidate has experience with modern HRIS platforms (Workday) and is energized by using technology to improve processes, strengthen compliance, and enhance the employee experience. They thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment, embrace continuous improvement, and are excited by the opportunity to help shape a modern global payroll function while growing their career with Harbor. This is a full-time, fully remote role than can be worked from anywhere in United States (CST/EST hours).

• Own the accurate, confidential, and timely delivery of payroll across multiple countries, including the U.S., UK, and Canada, in partnership with internal teams and payroll providers
• Own multi-country payrolls delivered through a PEO partner, payroll review and approval, issue resolution, compliance oversight, and service-level management
• Review and approve payroll inputs, reconciliations, variance analyses, and reports, resolving exceptions before payroll is finalized
• Liaise with the Finance department on reporting requirements to ensure transparency of payroll changes
• Ensure payroll database reflects current and accurate information
• Process all payroll data entries relevant to the employee lifecycle – new hires, salary increases, bonus, commission, garnishments, benefit deduction changes, separations
• Calculate adjustments, special pays, retroactive payments, and overpayment of wages; issue manual payments as required
• Calculate separation payments in compliance with Company policies and local laws
• Perform analysis and preparation of payroll related year end schedules and ensure accuracy of year end returns processed by payroll vendor
• Track time-entry compliance and oversee timesheet adjustments
• Partner with other internal departments on audit requests
• Respond to unemployment claims, verify calculations, dispute erroneous claims, and approve bills for payment
• Respond to employment-verification requests as needed
• Provide responsive, expert support to employees and leaders on payroll questions and complex issues
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes through automation, technology, and standardized global practices
• Identify and lead opportunities to improve global payroll through automation, Workday functionality, standardized processes, data-driven insights, and effective vendor management
• Support integration activities related to acquisitions, new countries, or organizational growth, ensuring a seamless employee experience
• Serve as the payroll subject-matter expert for Harbor’s HR technology ecosystem, leading the ongoing optimization of Workday, Rise, OSV, integrations, configurations, testing, reporting, controls, and future payroll solutions
• Perform other duties as assigned

• Validate and ensure accuracy of system configuration and deductions
• Process payroll entries needed for employee benefit changes
• Assist with annual healthcare renewals and open enrollment process

• Lead, mentor, and scale a global team of payroll professionals, setting clear accountabilities and fostering continuous learning in Workday, compliance, tax, controls, and regional regulations
• Establish global operating rhythms, service standards, and standard operating procedures; provide coaching and professional development; and monitor performance metrics to ensure accurate, timely, and employee-focused payroll delivery

• At least seven years of progressive payroll experience, including ownership of complex, multi-country or multi-jurisdictional payroll operations
• Strong knowledge of global and multi-jurisdictional employment, payroll, tax, and pay-practice requirements, with the ability to translate regulatory changes into operational controls
• Advanced, hands-on Workday Payroll experience in Canada, U.S. and UK, including configuration, testing, integrations, reporting, troubleshooting, and process optimization, is required; experience with ADP and OSV is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated experience managing, coaching, and developing a team of payroll professionals across countries or time zones
• Strict adherence to confidentiality, data privacy, and data protection
• Ability to understand benefit plans and application to payroll
• Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and highly organized
• Strong customer service, communication, and time management skills
• Strong mathematical skills, with the ability to perform accurate calculations
• Strong analytical skills and ability to determine root causes of issues and find solutions
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office, including strong use of Excel demonstrating ability to generate and analyze complex reports

Harbor is the preeminent provider of expert services across strategy, legal technology, operations, and intelligence. Our globally integrated team of 900+ strategists, technologists, and specialists navigate alongside our clients – leading law firms, corporations, and their law departments – to provide essential resources and invaluable insights. Anchored in a rich heritage of deep knowledge, steadfast relationships, and mutual respect, our unwavering dedication lies in shaping the future of the legal industry and fostering enduring partnerships within our community and ecosystem.

Harbor is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, national origin, ancestry, age, parental status, disabled status, veteran status, or any other legally protected classification, in accordance with applicable law.

Originally posted on Himalayas