Senior Payroll Implementation Specialist

About the role

EY GDS is looking for a Senior Payroll Implementation Specialist to lead global payroll implementation projects for its clients. The role works closely with client stakeholders, internal teams, technology partners and the global program manager, and calls for prior experience in project management, client management, payroll implementation, technology and payroll transformation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead global payroll implementation projects across multiple regions and countries, managing the full lifecycle from planning, discovery, design, configuration, testing, parallel runs, cut-over and go-live to stabilization.
• Prepare detailed project plans, liaise with the client and internal teams to agree scope, parameters and timelines, and act as the main point of contact for client country leads and global stakeholders.
• Manage project governance, communicate status, risks and issues, and report to management and run steering committee meetings.
• Process business requirements, develop infrastructure impact statements, feasibility studies, project charters, RACIs, risk, communications and change management plans.
• Work with the global program manager to set up standard project approaches and procedures for internal and external systems, tools and processes.
• Manage multiple projects of varying complexity with cross-functional teams, and mentor junior resources and deliver internal training.

Required profile

• Degree or postgraduate degree in Accounting, Finance, HR, Administration or Operations; MBA or business management skills preferred.
• 8-10 years of experience in global payroll implementation and project management, including multi-country projects.
• Professional certifications such as PMP or PRINCE2 are an added advantage.
• Knowledge of AI tools, automation or data-driven payroll enhancements.

Required skills

• End-to-end payroll implementation knowledge and multi-country payroll experience.
• Knowledge of payroll interfaces, implementation methodologies, data flows, technical aspects and accounting.
• Exposure to HR/payroll system integrations (Workday, SAP, Oracle, T&A and other HRMS modules).
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (MS Project, Excel, Word, Visio, PowerPoint).