Global Head of Payroll

Provide overall ownership and governance of payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions, entities, payroll systems, and service delivery models. Oversee the review and sign off of accurate, complete, and timely payroll processing across all regions, ensuring consistency of standards, controls, and outcomes. Ensure payroll activities align with internal policies, global operating frameworks, and financial control requirements. Lead, mentor, and develop regional and functional payroll teams, including Payroll Managers, Specialists, Analysts, and Coordinators across multiple locations. Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and accountability frameworks to support effective delivery in a multi country environment. Drive performance management, succession planning, knowledge transfer, and capability uplift within the global payroll function. Maintain oversight of payroll compliance across all jurisdictions, ensuring adherence to country specific tax, statutory, and employment regulations. Partner with internal stakeholders and external advisors to monitor legislative changes and assess the impact on payroll processes and systems. Own payroll risk management, including control design, segregation of duties, maker checker frameworks, and compliance assurance. Own the global payroll systems landscape, partnering with HRIS, Finance, and Technology teams to ensure effective integration, data accuracy, and scalability. Drive continuous improvement initiatives to simplify, standardise, and automate payroll processes, reducing manual intervention and operational risk. Ensure payroll data security, confidentiality, and compliance with data protection and information security requirements across all regions. Provide strategic oversight of payroll related tax and benefits administration, ensuring accurate integration into payroll calculations across jurisdictions. Manage relationships with external payroll vendors, tax authorities, and benefit providers to ensure service delivery, compliance, and payment accuracy. Oversee the timely and accurate execution of payroll related payments and filings, in line with global approval and authorisation frameworks. Clear, confident communication (written and verbal), and the ability to breakdown complex ideas A collaborative mindset, working smoothly with cross functional teams to hit shared goals Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects without dropping the ball Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to high quality work Adaptability - you stay sharp, productive and positive in fast moving environments A Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related discipline is required; a postgraduate qualification (such as an MBA, Postgraduate Diploma, or equivalent business or finance qualification) is strongly preferred. Professional payroll or finance certifications (e.g. CPP, CIPP, CIPP E, Global Payroll certifications) would be an added advantage. 8-10+ years of progressive payroll experience, with at least 5 years in a senior, regional, or global payroll leadership role overseeing multi country payroll operations. Demonstrated experience managing large scale, multi jurisdictional and multi entity payrolls, with a strong understanding of diverse statutory, tax, and regulatory frameworks. Proven track record of leading and developing distributed payroll teams, including setting global standards, driving accountability, and building capability across regions. Strong experience working with enterprise payroll and HRIS platforms (such as Payspace, Workday, ADP, or equivalent), including oversight of HR payroll finance integrations and payroll system optimisation. Solid background in payroll governance, risk management, and financial controls, including audit support, reconciliations, and SOX aligned or regulated environments. Advanced analytical and problem solving skills, with experience interpreting payroll data to identify risks, trends, and improvement opportunities at scale. Ability to operate confidently in complex, fast paced, and changing environments, managing multiple payroll cycles, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with senior stakeholders on technical and strategic payroll matters. High attention to detail combined with the ability to think strategically and globally, beyond day to day payroll processing. Strong working knowledge of advanced Excel, payroll reporting, and data analysis tools. In-depth knowledge of sports betting markets, including odds calculation, betting types and market trends Previous experience in the online gaming or casino industry, with a strong understanding of player behaviour and industry regulations Familiarity with gambling regulations and compliance requirements in various jurisdictions, ensuring adherence to legal standards Experience in developing and executing customer retention strategies Exposure to global ERP or finance systems (such as Microsoft Dynamics Business Central or similar), with an understanding of payroll to general ledger integration and financial reporting requirements. Experience managing multi currency payroll environments, including awareness of foreign exchange considerations, cross border payments, and regional banking complexities. Demonstrated involvement in building, mentoring, or coaching payroll teams, particularly within regional or global structures, to drive consistency, capability, and succession. Experience working with or managing external payroll vendors and in country partners across multiple jurisdictions. Participation in payroll transformation initiatives, such as system implementations, migrations, or the establishment of shared service or centre of excellence models.