Payroll System Implementation Lead 

Remote

15+ months Contract

Job Description -:        

Payroll System Implementation Lead 

This is a contract role leading the payroll team''''s participation in a global payroll transformation project. The organization is consolidating its payroll vendor landscape and implementing Dayforce as a single, unified global payroll system. This individual will act as the embedded, client-side lead responsible for ensuring internal readiness, managing data validation and migration from legacy systems, coordinating testing (including UAT and parallel runs), and overseeing the specific rollout for the U.S., Canada, and Australia entities.

This role will be involved in all phases of the project, from planning through implementation to go-live, working closely with vendors, implementation consultants, and internal payroll teams to ensure successful delivery.

Responsibilities

Lead the organization''''s participation in the global payroll transformation project, transitioning payrolls from multiple vendors to a unified global provider.

•    Manage data validation and migration from legacy payroll systems into the new global payroll platform.

•    Coordinate all testing phases including UAT and parallel runs for U.S. and Canada.

Lead the Australia system implementation end-to-end: planning, requirements gathering, testing, data validation, cutover, and go-live.

Partner with Technical and IT teams to support the build and implementation of approximately 15 global integrations from third-party systems into the payroll platform.

Critically review new global processes to ensure local compliance requirements are flagged and appropriately addressed.

Collaborate with HR, Finance, Benefits, Technical, and IT teams and external vendors to ensure data accuracy.

Develop and document payroll processes, policies, and controls to ensure compliance with local regulations and company standards.

Drive adoption of new technology, systems, and processes through change management, training, and stakeholder engagement.

•    Prepare and present regular project updates and payroll reports to senior leadership.

•    Maintain strict confidentiality of payroll data and ensure robust data security practices.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor''''s degree in a business-related discipline.

12+ years of payroll experience, including 6+ years in a managerial capacity at a fast-paced, high-volume, multinational company.

•    Direct experience leading payroll for U.S., Canada, and Australia entities.

Proven track record leading payroll transformation or system implementation projects, ensuring seamless integration and user adoption.

•    Extensive experience with stock payroll (RSUs, options, ESPP).

•    Excellent project management, organizational, and analytical skills.

•    Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

•    High attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.

Selfmotivated, flexible, and able to perform under strict deadlines in a rapidly changing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional payroll certification (CPP or equivalent).

•    Project management certification.

•    Experience with large corporate payroll systems (Dayforce, UKG, ADP, or Workday)

•    Experience managing payroll for globally mobile employees and in-country providers.

•    Experience with change management in complex, fast-paced environments.

•    Experience working as part of a geographically dispersed team.