Location : Dublin, Ireland
Summary :
The Global Director of Payroll will lead and oversee the global payroll operations spanning 50 countries. This role is responsible for ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing across all regions, aligning payroll strategy with corporate objectives, managing global payroll vendors, and leading transformation initiatives to enhance scalability and efficiency. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in global payroll, regulatory compliance, and leadership in complex, high-volume environments.
Key Responsibilities :
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute a global payroll strategy that supports the company’s growth and compliance needs across approximately 50 countries
- Partner with Finance, HR, Legal, and Tax teams to align payroll operations with broader corporate goals and objectives
Global Operations Oversight
Oversee payroll processing for all global employees, ensuring timely and accurate disbursement in compliance with local labor laws, regulations, and statutory reportingOversee payroll-related benefits deductions and retirement plan withholdings across locations, ensuring compliance with local statutory requirements and seamless integration with benefits administration platformsProcess and report on equity incentive plans such as RSU’s and ESPP’s, as well as tax withholding and complianceManage a global team of payroll professionals and third-party providers to deliver consistent, high-quality serviceLead payroll integrations related to M&A activity, new country expansion, and system implementationsCompliance & Governance
Ensure compliance with all regulatory, tax, and labor requirements across jurisdictions, including SOX controls, GDPR, and local withholding / taxation rulesOwn the preparation and oversight of external payroll audits and financial audits and coordinate with internal audit and external auditorsProcess Optimization & Technology
Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and best practices in payroll systems and reportingCollaborate with IT and Finance on system upgrades and the deployment of a global payroll platformReporting & Financial Integrity
Ensure payroll costs are accurately reported and in collaboration with Finance, reconciled in the general ledgerProvide executive leadership with regular payroll metrics, insights, and compliance updatesTeam Leadership & Development
Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, geographically dispersed payroll teamFoster a culture of accountability and continuous improvementPromote cross-functional collaboration with internal stakeholders (HR, Finance, Legal, etc.) to achieve payroll objectives and enhance overall efficiencyDemonstrate leadership through a ‘one-team’ mentality and a growth mindsetSkills / Qualifications :
Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field15+ years of progressive experience in global payroll leadership roles, with responsibility across multiple countriesExpertise in international payroll compliance, tax, and regulatory environments in all global regions (North America, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC)Demonstrated success in leading large-scale payroll transformationsExperience in a publicly traded environment with strong understanding of SOX and internal controlsExceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skillsProficiency in global HCM and ERP platforms (, Workday, Dayforce)About Bentley Systems :
Around the world, infrastructure professionals rely on software from Bentley Systems to help them design, build, and operate better and more resilient infrastructure for transportation, water, energy, cities, and more. Founded in 1984 by engineers for engineers, Bentley is the partner of choice for engineering firms and owner-operators worldwide, with software that spans engineering disciplines, industry sectors, and all phases of the infrastructure lifecycle. Through our digital twin solutions, we help infrastructure professionals unlock the value of their data to transform project delivery and asset performance.
