REPORTING TO: GROUP FINANCIAL CONTROLLER

Company: XOCEAN Ireland
Location: Dundalk, Co. Louth, Ireland. This is an office-based role.
Qualification: Relevant Payroll, Finance third level qualifications / certificates e.g., CIPP, IPASS, or equivalent certification

OVERVIEW

This is a new role within the business. XOCEAN has scaled rapidly over the past five years and now has a global team of 250+ people employed in seven countries. We are seeking an experienced Payroll and Benefits Specialist with proven experience in compensation and reward to oversee global payroll operations and benefits administration. This hands-on role requires a detail-oriented professional with a strong background in payroll processing, compliance, and process improvement. As a member of our Finance team with a dotted line to our CPO, you will ensure payroll accuracy and compliance, drive efficiency in payroll operations and provide analytical and operational support for reward decisions. You will also be the key point of contact for payroll, compensation and benefits queries.

REQUIREMENTS: ESSENTIAL SKILLS / ATTRIBUTES EXPERIENCE

• Proven experience (5+ years) in payroll processing, benefits administration and compensation management across multiple countries.
• Relevant Payroll, Finance third level qualifications / certificates e.g., CIPP, IPASS, or equivalent certification
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, taxation, employment law and statutory requirements in Ireland, UK, Canada, US and Australia.
• Experience in compensation & benefits strategies and administration.
• Highly numerate with advanced Excel skills.
• Experience using payroll and HRIS software (e.g., ADP, NetSuite, or equivalent).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to handle employee payroll queries professionally.
• Prior experience with process improvement, automation and driving efficiency in payroll operations.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, working effectively with the People team, Finance, and external providers.
• Experience with data privacy, GDPR compliance, and payroll-related reporting requirements.
• Highest degree of confidentiality and personal discretion.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE

• Experience in global payroll processing for a similar-sized company (250+ international employees).
• Experience managing payroll for diverse work practices including shift work.
• Experience managing equity compensation and performance-related bonuses.
• Knowledge of international payroll for expatriates, mobility programs, and secondments.
• Experience with payroll audits, reconciliations, and financial reporting.
• Familiarity with employment laws in XOCEAN’s key operating countries, Ireland, UK, USA, Canada, Australia.
• Strong experience with automation and digital transformation of payroll systems.

• Payroll Processing: Manage end-to-end monthly payroll processing across multiple countries, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Payroll Compliance & Taxation: Ensure compliance with local tax laws, statutory reporting, social security, pensions, and other regulatory requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
• Payroll Systems & Process Improvement: Identify opportunities to streamline and automate payroll operations, ensuring accuracy & efficiency.
• Compensation & Benefits: Administer and enhance global compensation and benefits programs ensuring alignment with Company policies and market trends. Providing analysis and support to the People team in the delivery of key aspects of the reward calendar and reward projects.
• Employee Support & Queries: Serve as the primary contact for payroll and benefits administration queries, providing clear and timely responses.
• Vendor & Stakeholder Management: Work closely with the People team and Finance and manage relationships with external organisations such as payroll providers and tax authorities to ensure smooth payroll operations.
• Reporting & Audits: Generate compensation reports for the Board, payroll reports, support financial audits, complete gender pay gap reporting, and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
• International Payroll & Mobility: Ensure smooth payroll administration for expatriate employees, international assignments, and cross-border compliance.