Global Director of Payroll

Job title: Global Director of Payroll

About the Role The Global Director of Payroll oversees Reed Smith's global payroll operations across the United States and EMEA/APAC, ensuring accurate and legally compliant payroll processing and centralized governance. The role leads the payroll function and team, partners with regional teams and external providers, and serves as the firm's subject matter expert on payroll operations and compliance.

What You'll Do

• Manage the Firm's payroll function and global payroll governance, including policies, controls, documentation standards and escalation protocols.
• Oversee payroll operations across U.S. and EMEA/APAC offices (attorneys, staff, partners) and distributions (monthly, bi-weekly, periodic).
• Ensure compliance with U.S. federal, state and local laws and international/regional requirements; lead development of global payroll processes aligned with policy and financial controls.
• Define, monitor and report payroll performance metrics (accuracy, timeliness, compliance, vendor performance) and remediate compliance risks.
• Ensure accuracy of payroll calculations (overtime, bonuses, garnishments, commissions, deductions, paid leave) and direct payroll tax compliance activities (withholding, filings, quarterly/annual reporting such as W-2, W-3, 941, 940).
• Serve as primary liaison with payroll tax authorities; ensure integration and data accuracy across payroll vendor, HRIS, time/attendance/LOA, and regional vendors.
• Oversee payroll vendor relationships and service delivery; maintain internal controls and procedures; collaborate with HR, Legal, Benefits, Accounting & Finance and regional leaders.
• Partner with Global Controller on financial reporting, month-end close, payroll data reconciliation; lead system upgrades and process improvements; audit payroll and tax processes and remediate findings.
• Coach and develop payroll team leadership, including training on legal/tax updates and fostering accountability and service culture.

What We're Looking For

• Experience leading global payroll operations across multiple regions (U.S. and international).
• Deep knowledge of U.S. federal, state, and local payroll laws and international/regional regulatory requirements (EMEA/APAC).
• Strong governance, controls, policy documentation, escalation protocols and stakeholder collaboration.
• Proven leadership of a payroll team and ability to coach, develop and drive a service-focused culture.
• Proficiency in payroll tax compliance activities, system integrations (HRIS, time/attendance/LOA), and cross-system data accuracy.
• Experience with vendor management, audits, and process improvement initiatives.