Payroll Manager EMEA

Manage EMEA Payroll for 12-14 countries outside of the UK across several lines of business within The Walt Disney Company. This role is accomplished through leadership of 5-6 Analysts on the EMEA Time and Payroll team and management of diverse stakeholders across the businesses. Primary lead for payroll projects supporting business change through the implementation of best practice models/system solutions for approximately 12-14 countries across EMEA. Direct line management and functional/leadership development of payroll team members. 

What You Will Do

Core Responsibilities 

• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing, statutory reporting, and audit support for a variety of lines of business within EMEA countries outside the UK 

• Make certain payroll processing performed by the regional payroll vendor meets or exceeds the established Payroll SLA, controls and compliance standards   

• Manage and develop direct reports to support payroll operations and succession planning 

• Adapt departmental plans and priorities to address resource and operational challenges 

• Act as escalation point for all EMEA payroll service issues in assigned countries and support timely resolution efforts through vendor 

• Ensure employees receive accurate remuneration on the published pay dates, thereby ensuring that the Company meets its contractual obligations 

• Coordinate and carefully maintain relationships between third party payroll providers and Disney internal partners to ensure timely and accurate payroll process 

• Approve monthly, quarterly, annual and other periodicity reports to the management of the Company, local authorities and other recipients  

• Resolve all assigned payroll-related queries from employees and legal entity stakeholders in a professional and timely manner, escalating further as necessary 

• Resolve legal entity questions and/or concerns regarding the payroll process 

• Oversee required payments to third parties and ensure statutory deadlines are met 

• Support and provide appropriate cover for other peer Managers within the EMEA organisation 

• Oversee and ensure payroll compliance in accordance with audit controls and procedures 

• Troubleshoot SAP technical issues at a high level (e.g., GL posting discrepancies, etc.) 

• Propose enhancements as appropriate to address improvement and efficiency opportunities 

Operational Lead 

• Oversee Stock Options/RSU and LTIC payments for local and country transfers 

• Support defining local technical and functional requirements as required  

• Facilitate payroll involvement with global and local initiatives when appropriate 

• Provide strategic support for ongoing operations  

• Support resolution for supplier service failures 

• Share best practices/processes/systems across countries 

• Act as the primary vendor contact to support payroll governance 

• Establish a regional strategy for best practice supplier governance methodology 

• Implement standardised procedural and legal frameworks across EMEA region 

• Identify and manage appropriate relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and authorities/bodies for the benefit of the business 

• Provide advice and direction regarding payroll process, compliance, and best practice/processes 

• Facilitate collaboration between local payroll teams and other global functional teams to implement new programs/initiatives, resolve issues, share solutions 

• Ensure consistency in regulatory compliance and Internal Controls 

• Payroll management qualification 

• Significant related experience, ideally leading a payroll team for a large multi-national employer 

• Strong knowledge of payroll practices, regulations and taxes across a broad spectrum of countries within EMEA 

• Ability to work independently, act with discretion, and appropriately handle confidential information  

• Possess demonstrable interest/knowledge of information systems 

• Ability to drive transformational change and lead change management activities 

• Proven experience of reviewing and developing payroll procedures and policies 

• Experience handling expenses, benefits, and perquisites, including their relevant tax treatments 

• High attention to detail with strong analytical and accounting skills 

• Demonstrated payroll experience with a retail or entertainment business, is a bonus 

• Ability to lead others to successfully accomplish both individual and team objectives 

• Communicate effectively and build strong working relationships with other functions (e.g. HR, Controllership, Line of Business leaders) 

• Flexible and adaptable; able to evolve and grow with a dynamic business environment 

• Excellent interpersonal skills – approachable, treats people with respect, open and candid, able to develop effective working relationships with staff at all levels 

• Good decision-making skills 

• Project Management experience 

• Flexible approach to work, responsibilities and deadlines 

• Strong focus in customer service 

• Diplomatic, Discreet and Confidential