Global Payroll Manager

We are hiring a Global Payroll Manager, ideally a candidate who thrives on building scalable systems, automating manual processes, and creating operational excellence in a high growth technology environment.

We are looking for a leader who combines deep payroll expertise with a systems oriented mindset. You should be passionate about process improvement, automation, and leveraging technology to increase accuracy, efficiency, transparency, and employee satisfaction. Experience supporting a remote, international workforce is highly valued, as is a genuine interest in the software and technology industry.

This is a management position which requires confidence in setting direction, driving excellence, managing priorities, developing team members, and communicating effectively with stakeholders across the business. As we continue to grow globally, you will play a key role in scaling our payroll infrastructure and raising the standard for operational excellence. This role will report to the Global Financial Controller.

Location: This role is home-based in EMEA time zones, with the option to be based in our London office.

The role entails

• Collaborate with HR, Accounting, Accounts Payable, Treasury, Financial Planning & Analysis, and external payroll providers to support payroll operations and compliance
• Manage end-to-end payroll operations across different countries, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing
• Review, validate, and approve payrolls prior to final processing
• Establish and maintain strong payroll controls to ensure data accuracy, compliance, and operational efficiency
• Perform payroll and salary cost analyses, investigating and explaining variances
• Ensure compliance with all applicable payroll tax, statutory, reporting, and employment-related requirements across jurisdictions
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related audits, coordinating responses to internal and external audit requests
• Monitor legislative and regulatory changes that may impact payroll processes, controls, or compliance obligations
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance payroll accuracy, scalability, and the employee experience
• Continue to develop, document, and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Maintain strong relationships with payroll vendors and service providers, ensuring service levels and deliverables are met
• Incorporate industry best practices, emerging technology, including AI, to improve reporting quality, efficiency, and accuracy
• Lead, mentor and coach a team of global payroll professionals
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements while identifying and managing compliance risks.

What we are looking for in you

• An exceptional academic track record from both high school and university
• An undergraduate degree in Accounting or Finance, or a compelling narrative about your alternative chosen path
• Significant payroll experience supporting multi-country and/or global payroll operations
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, taxation, and internal controls
• Experience managing payroll audits and regulatory requirements
• Proficiency with payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and spreadsheet-based analysis
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and reconciliation skills
• Leadership and commitment to skills development and mentorship
• The work ethic and confidence to shine alongside motivated colleagues
• A track record of going above-and-beyond expectations
• Professional written and spoken English with excellent presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability
• Appreciative of diversity, polite, and effective in a multi-cultural, multi-national organization
• Thoughtfulness and self-motivation
• Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments
• Ability to travel internationally twice a year for company events up to two weeks long

In addition we expect that you will match our values, by being:

• Precise, taking care to deliver correctness and clarity
• Reliable, delivering high quality work that builds trust and confidence
• Accessible, collaborating to build products and systems that are usable
• Adroit, blending enthusiasm, knowledge, adaptability, style and character

Nice-to-have skills

• Experience implementing or optimizing payroll platforms and HRIS systems
• Payroll management experience in publicly traded or pre-IPO companies
• A passion for technology and a desire to work with motivated colleagues
• Experience supporting rapid expansion, including new country payroll launches
• A passion for technology and a desire to work with motivated colleagues
• MBA or other relevant business degree

What we offer colleagues

• We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide.
• We assess performance and revisit compensation twice annually to ensure we recognize outstanding colleagues.
• In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission.
• We provide all team members with additional benefits which reflect our values and ideals.
• We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.
• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Bi-annual compensation review
• Company recognition rewards
• 40 days annual leave per annum, including public holidays and our All Company holiday periods
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues, with Priority Pass for lounge access

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. Our platform, Ubuntu, is very widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. We are founder-led, profitable, and growing.

Powered by worldwide distributed collaboration since our inception in 2004, we believe tech and business leadership can emerge anywhere. We have no central headquarters. Most of us work from home, but we are exceptionally disciplined about this. We have very high expectations of all colleagues, and are champions of excellence. Working here is a step into the future and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer

We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.