The Opportunity:
Avantor is seeking a Director of Payroll Eastern Hemisphere Operations. In this role, you will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of day-to-day payroll operations for over 8,000 associates in 32 countries. You will have a leading role in the design, build and launch of a large-scale transformation, leading a team of payroll professionals and collaborating across departments to ensure timely and accurate processing of payroll while ensuring compliance with local regulations.
This is a full-time permanent position that can be performed out of Ireland or the UK remotely. Next to an attractive salary and an annual performance bonus, we offer further local benefits and the opportunity to shape the future of Avantor and significantly grow your career in an exciting and impactful position. Interested? Let’s talk!
What we’re looking for
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• Certification Preferred: CPP, CIPP, GPA Certificate in Global Payroll Strategy
• Mid to Senior level experience across Europe, Asia, Middle East & Africa payroll / payroll management, in a large mixed matrix organization.
• Workday HCM technical experience is required, specifically in a technical build and integrations environment.
• Strong knowledge of international payroll regulations, tax laws, SOX and compliance requirements.
• Experience with HRIS, Payroll and Time Tracking systems and large systems software (e.g. Workday, ADP, Sage, etc).
• English Language Proficiency; oral, written, comprehension required
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills is critical for success in role, leading a diverse team.
• Analytical mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and problem-solving.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Knowledge:

• Payroll Management: In-depth understanding of payroll processes, including tax regulations, compliance requirements, and payroll accounting principles across the region.
• Knowledge of labor laws, tax codes, and regulations across multiple countries and regions where the company operates.
• Vendor Management: Experience in managing relationships with payroll service providers and other relevant vendors to ensure effective service delivery.
• Financial and Accounting Principles: Understanding of financial implications related to payroll, budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Data Privacy and Security: Knowledge of data protection laws and best practices related to payroll data security and privacy.

Skills:

• Leadership: Strong leadership skills to inspire and lead a team of payroll professionals, fostering collaboration and a high-performance culture.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively convey payroll-related information to diverse audiences, including senior management, stakeholders, and employees.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Ability to analyze complex payroll issues, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Project Management: Proficiency in project management methodologies to lead payroll system implementations, process improvements, and other payroll-related projects.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills to interpret payroll data, generate insights, and make data-driven decisions to optimize payroll operations.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy in payroll processing and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Abilities:

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and execute a strategic vision for Eastern Hemisphere payroll operations aligned with organizational goals and objectives.
• Collaboration: Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally with HR, finance, IT, and other departments to achieve payroll-related objectives and initiatives.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Willingness and ability to adapt to changing regulations, technologies, and business needs in a dynamic Eastern Hemisphere environment.
• Ethical Conduct: Demonstrated integrity and ethical conduct in handling confidential payroll information and adhering to legal and compliance standards.
• Team Development: Capacity to mentor, coach, and develop a high-performing payroll team, fostering continuous learning and professional growth.
• Cultural Awareness: Sensitivity to cultural differences and diversity when managing payroll operations across multiple countries and regions.
• These knowledge areas, skills, and abilities are essential for effectively leading Eastern Hemisphere payroll operations in a large organization, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency in payroll processes while leveraging technology and fostering a collaborative work environment.

How you will thrive and create an impact

Payroll Strategy and Leadership:

• Execute the Eastern Hemisphere payroll strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Lead, mentor, and motivate a team of payroll managers and specialists across the region.
• Leading any stakeholder and change management needed for successful payroll operations.

Eastern Hemisphere Payroll Operations:

• Oversee the end-to-end payroll process for all employees in EMEA & AMEA
• Ensure payroll accuracy and compliance with local tax and labor laws across multiple jurisdictions.

Vendor Management:

• Manage relationships with payroll service providers and other relevant vendors.
• Migrate countries to new payroll model and vendors as required.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Implement standardized compliance and reconciliation framework across the region including a regular audit cycle of payroll data and calculations.
• Stay updated on international payroll regulations across the region and implement necessary changes.
• Mitigate payroll-related risks and ensure adherence to data protection laws.
• Oversee SOX process for the region.

Process Improvement:

• Proactively monitor and analyze trends, issues and opportunities, recommending solutions for identified opportunities.
• Instill a culture of continuous improvement across the team to identify process enhancements and automation to streamline payroll operations, minimizing manual payroll interactions.
• In partnership with HR technology team, provide a point of view on technology improvements that support our global payroll approach, and provide requirements for needed improvements.

Reporting and Analytics:

• Develop standard metrics and KPIs to inform decision-making.
• Prepare payroll reports and presentations for senior management and stakeholders.

Employee Support and Communication:

• Serve as a point of contact for escalated payroll-related inquiries.
• Collaborate with HR and finance teams to ensure seamless employee experiences.

LI-Remote

Disclaimer:
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this position. Avantor is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Why Avantor?
Dare to go further in your career. Join our global team of 14,000+ associates whose passion for discovery and determination to overcome challenges relentlessly advances life-changing science.
The work we do changes people’s lives for the better. It brings new patient treatments and therapies to market, giving a cancer survivor the chance to walk his daughter down the aisle. It enables medical devices that help a little boy hear his mom’s voice for the first time. Outcomes such as these create unlimited opportunities for you to contribute your talents, learn new skills and grow your career at Avantor.
We are committed to helping you on this journey through our diverse, equitable and inclusive culture which includes learning experiences to support your career growth and success. At Avantor, dare to go further and see how the impact of your contributions set science in motion to create a better world. Apply today!
EEO Statement:
We are an Equal Employment/Affirmative Action employer and VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/province, or local law.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at
recruiting@avantorsciences.com
and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
Privacy Policy:
We will use the personal information that you have submitted to us in order to consider your application for the relevant role.
Your privacy is important to us. Please
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3rd Party Non-Solicitation Policy:
By submitting candidates without having been formally assigned on and contracted for a specific job requisition by Avantor, or by failing to comply with the Avantor recruitment process, you forfeit any fee on the submitted candidates, regardless of your usual terms and conditions. Avantor works with a preferred supplier list and will take the initiative to engage with recruitment agencies based on its needs and will not be accepting any form of solicitation

Please refer the Job description for details