Payroll Systems Specialist

Role Overview

The Payroll Systems Specialist delivers and improves the systems that support global payroll. The role coordinates new-country implementations and internal payroll and T&A system migrations, develops integrations and automation, and supports the selection and deployment of technological solutions supporting the team. It connects Payroll, People systems, Finance and Technology partners.

Key Responsibilities

Support planning and delivering payroll-system implementations for new countries and migrations for existing payrolls.

Translate payroll and compliance requirements into configuration, data mappings, workflows and control requirements.

Coordinate data preparation, validation, user acceptance testing, cutover and post-launch stabilisation.

Design and maintain integrations between payroll, HR and Finance teams/systems using secure files, APIs or middleware.

Manage system defects, vendor escalations, release impacts and the prioritised payroll-systems roadmap.

Maintain data-quality checks, access controls, change documentation and evidence needed for audit-ready processes.

Identify and deliver automation opportunities that reduce manual work, improve control and make payroll operations more scalable.

Support the assessment and deployment of third-party systems, including requirements, testing and operational handover.

Create system documentation and training materials for users.

Leverage existing systems, tools and AI to develop independent process workflows.

Key Qualifications & Experience

Must-have requirements:

5 or more years of experience in payroll systems, payroll technology or payroll implementation work.

Strong understanding of end-to-end payroll processes and the data needed for multi-country payroll.

Experience with requirements, configuration, data migration, testing, cutover and post-launch support.

Working knowledge of system integrations, including APIs, secure file interfaces and data mapping.

Ability to manage multiple workstreams, vendors, dependencies and delivery deadlines.

Strong analytical and spreadsheet skills, with careful handling of sensitive employee data.

Clear communication with payroll specialists, People teams, Finance, engineers and external providers.

Preferred qualifications:

Hands-on experience with payroll system implementations or migrations.

Experience with HRIS and ERP integrations, payroll accounting interfaces or identity and access controls.

Basic SQL, API troubleshooting or low-code automation experience.

Competencies & Behavioural Traits

Structured delivery with clear ownership of requirements, decisions and open issues.

Curiosity about how payroll processes and system behaviour interact.

Practical problem solving and early escalation of delivery or control risks.

Careful testing and documentation before production changes.

Collaborative communication across operational and technical teams.