Global Payroll Compliance and Governance Manager

Global Payroll Compliance and Governance Manager

Sage Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom

Job Description

We’re looking for an experienced Global Payroll Compliance & Governance Manager to ensure payroll operations across 19 countries meet all local laws, statutory regulations, and internal governance standards. You’ll design and lead a global payroll compliance framework, monitor legislative changes, and guide teams and vendors to maintain accuracy, audit readiness, and risk control.

This is a hybrid role that will work in the office 3 days a week and 2 from home.

• Develop and manage a global payroll compliance and controls framework across all regions.
• Oversee compliance audits, reporting, and governance for senior leadership.
• Monitor global legislative and tax updates, ensuring timely and accurate implementation.
• Act as primary contact for internal and external audits, managing remediation and risk mitigation.
• Partner with payroll vendors, HR, Finance, and Legal to ensure compliance and service quality.
• Embed compliance into payroll transformation initiatives and process improvements.
• Drive automation, standardisation, and transparent reporting through dashboards and KPIs.

• Extensive global payroll experience across multiple regions (EMEA, APAC, Americas).
• Strong understanding of payroll legislation, taxation, and statutory reporting.
• Proven expertise in compliance frameworks, controls, and audit processes.
• Skilled communicator who can simplify complex regulations for diverse stakeholders.
• Experience with multi-country payroll vendors (e.g., ADP, NGA, Ceridian).
• Excellent stakeholder management and influence at senior levels.
• Desirable:
  Payroll qualifications (CIPP, FPC, CPP), HRIS/payroll systems experience, SOX compliance, or exposure to payroll transformation projects.

• Generous bonuses and pension scheme:
  Up to 8% matched pension contribution plus 2% top‑up by Sage.
• 25 days of paid annual leave with the option to buy up to another 5 days.
• Paid 5 days yearly to volunteer through our Sage Foundation.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Work away scheme for up to 10 weeks a.
• Access to various helpful memberships for finances, health and wellbeing.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time