Senior Payroll Specialist

Who we are

We’re a global, midsize CRO that pushes boundaries, innovates and invents because the path to a cure for the world’s most persistent diseases is not paved by those who play it safe. It is built by those who take pioneering, creative approaches and implement them with quality and excellence.

We are Worldwide Clinical Trials, and we are a global team of over 3,500+ experts, bright thinkers, dreamers and doers and, together, we are changing the way the world experiences CROs – in the best possible way.

Our mission is to work with passion and purpose every day to improve lives and we are looking for others who value this same pursuit.

Why Worldwide

We believe everyone plays an important role in making a world of difference for patients and their caregivers. From our hands-on, accessible leaders, to our cohesive and supportive teams, we are committed to enabling professionals from all backgrounds and experiences to succeed. We prioritize cultivating a diverse and inclusive environment that continues to promote collaboration and creativity. We are proud to be a workplace where people thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work every day. Join us!

SUMMARY:  The Senior Payroll Specialist is a high-level individual contributor and process owner responsible for the integrity of end-to-end multi-entity global payroll. This role acts as the primary liaison between Payroll, Finance, and HCM teams, ensuring system architecture integrity. The Senior Payroll Specialist provides leadership through mentorship, leads complex audits, and contributes to strategic decisions that impact global payroll scalability.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

This role requires a high degree of accuracy and accountability across the entire payroll lifecycle.

Advanced Operations & System Ownership

• Data Integrity Lead: Partner directly with the HCM/Workday team to architect and troubleshoot file feeds; identify and resolve root-cause data discrepancies before they impact payroll.
• Global Execution: Oversee and certify the accuracy of global payroll runs, ensuring all regional tax, social security, and labor law changes are implemented.
• Treasury & Funding Liaison: Act as the primary point of contact for the Treasury department to ensure funding accuracy and timely cross-border liability payments.
• Process Architecture: Design and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to reflect changing regulations and internal controls.

Accounting, Reconciliation, & Reporting

• Responsible for the integrity and certification of payroll control accounts across regions, investigating and resolving any discrepancies to ensure financial accuracy.
• Oversee the end-to-end funding process, including the initiation of ACH payments and the certification of payroll control accounts to ensure zero-finding financial accuracy
• Provide support for financial year-end audit requirements, fiscal year reporting, and general payroll reporting.
• Participate in ad hoc financial exercises and projects as required.

Leadership & Strategic Influence

• Proxy Authority: Act as the designated Manager/Supervisor Proxy in departmental meetings and essential activities during leadership absences.
• Mentorship & Training: Formally coach Payroll Specialists; lead training sessions on new policies, software updates, and legislative changes.
• Strategic Contributor: Participate in high-level planning sessions for global payroll expansions, vendor selections, and system enhancement projects.
• Escalation Management: Serve as the final tier for complex employee inquiries; identify trends in the ticketing system to develop proactive communication strategies and reduce ticket volume.

This role requires flexibility; other related projects and tasks will be assigned as needed to support team and company objectives.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Experience: Minimum 4 years (with Degree) or 6 years (without Degree) in a high-volume Finance or Payroll department. Proven track record of leading year-end processes or system implementations.
• Technical Mastery: Expert-level Excel (Power Query, advanced VLOOKUPs, or Macros) and deep proficiency in global payroll platforms (ADP, TMF, etc.) and Workday.
• Professional Growth: Active pursuit or attainment of CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or FPC designation is highly preferred.
• Soft Skills: Demonstrated ability to manage projects independently and influence cross-functional stakeholders.

Core Skills & Abilities

• Legislative Interpretation: Ability to monitor, interpret, and implement complex international payroll legislation and tax compliance updates across multiple jurisdictions
• Accuracy & Deadlines: Exceptional attention to detail and ability to maintain a high degree of accuracy while working to strict, tight deadlines.
• Communication: Strong interpersonal and written communication skills to effectively manage employee queries and cross-departmental collaboration.
• Confidentiality: Proven ability to handle highly sensitive and confidential employee information with discretion.
• Proactive: Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and lead projects as assigned.

Note: Promotion to the next level is based on demonstrated competency, responsibility, and independence, not solely on years of experience

We love knowing that someone is going to have a better life because of the work we do. 

To view our other roles, check out our careers page at Discover a world of difference at Worldwide! For more information on Worldwide, visit www.Worldwide.com or connect with us on LinkedIn.

Worldwide is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to enabling professionals from all backgrounds and experiences to succeed and, to that end, we prioritize attracting diverse talent and cultivating an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and creativity. We know that when our employees feel appreciated and included, they can be more creative, innovative, and successful. We’re on a mission to hire the very best and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and has access to equal opportunity. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, national origin, gender, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or parental status, disability, military status, or other class protected by applicable law.