Senior Payroll Tax Lead

Senior Payroll Tax Lead

Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Payroll Tax Lead to oversee payroll tax functions for the Americas region. With a primary focus on the United States and related territories, this role also supports payroll tax activities in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Mexico, Panama, and Peru. Reporting to the Americas Payroll Director, this position is responsible for ensuring timely and accurate payroll tax processing, managing federal, state, and local payroll tax filings, and ensuring full compliance with all regulatory requirements.

This is a senior-level individual contributor role. Because this position supports the Americas region—particularly the United States—candidates must be able to work a U.S. time-zone schedule on a daily basis.

In addition to tax compliance responsibilities, this role will:

Provide direct support for employee-related activities on mobility tax matters and process relocation-related data with a high degree of accuracy.

Collaborate closely with the Stock/Equity team to execute processes and procedures for equity wage and tax reporting compliance.

Coordinate with Retirement Benefits teams to ensure retirement programs (such as 401(k) and Deferred Compensation plans) are administered accurately and in compliance with regulations.

The Senior Payroll Tax Lead will also maintain and update payroll tax procedures, job aids, and employee documentation, and will serve as the subject matter expert across departments for employment tax compliance.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in payroll tax compliance and an understanding of current tax laws and technologies. This role requires independent thinking, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work with and interpret large volumes of data from varied sources. Knowledge of labor and employment tax regulations across the Americas is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage payroll tax compliance activities, ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.

Ensure the accurate and timely administration of equity, mobility, and retirement-related programs.

Oversee accurate and on-time filing of payroll tax returns at the federal, state, and local levels, including year-end reporting (e.g., W-2s, 1099s).

Manage internal and external payroll tax audits, ensuring timely resolution of any issues.

Stay current on payroll tax regulations, tax law changes, and industry best practices, and communicate relevant updates to stakeholders.

Review and oversee payroll tax processes, including proper application of withholding taxes, garnishments, and other deductions.

Collaborate cross-functionally with HR, Finance, Legal, and other teams to resolve payroll tax matters and improve process efficiencies.

Provide guidance and subject-matter expertise on employment tax matters to the Americas payroll team.

Support the implementation or integration of new payroll systems or technologies to enhance payroll tax operations.

Manage tax-related reporting, filings, and payments, ensuring compliance with deadlines and accuracy.

Assist with payroll-tax-related aspects of mergers, acquisitions, and organizational restructurings.

Liaise with external payroll vendors, tax advisors, and government agencies as needed.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Tax, Finance, or a related field (CPA or CPP preferred).

7+ years of payroll tax management experience.

Strong knowledge of U.S. federal, state, and local payroll tax laws and regulations.

Experience managing payroll tax audits and resolving complex payroll tax issues.

Strong understanding of equity/stock compensation plans in a globally mobile environment.

Experience with year-end reporting, compensation collection, and tax clearance reporting.

Experience with mobility tax (including double taxation, foreign tax credits, income tax treaties, certificates of coverage, social tax agreements, and tax equalization agreements).

Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

High attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy and compliance.

Proficiency with payroll systems and Microsoft Excel; experience with platforms such as Workday HRIS, ADP GlobalView, Streamline, or similar systems is a plus.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders.