People Advisory Services - Global Payroll Operate - Senior Analyst

The opportunity

Ernst & Young LLP's National Tax and EY EDGE practices are made up of teams of professionals providing specific tax technical services to US and global clients. EDGE stands for Exceptional Delivery and Growth Engine because this team operates in a technical environment with deep process and service delivery experience that distinguishes the EY organization in the marketplace. 

Our Global Payroll Operate practice focuses on helping our clients effectively manage their global payroll needs proactively and responsibly in 150+ countries. Our quality service and technical network enable you to help clients reduce inefficiencies, mitigate risk and drive process improvement within their payroll functions. We believe that by managing clients' payroll obligations, we can make a critical difference, and you'll be at the heart of this mission.

Our market-leading approach combines extensive local payroll service experience with a standard global payroll compliance and implementation methodology. With engagements involving a few countries or many, you will have the opportunity to provide clients with an integrated, consistent, quality service that unlocks the potential of the payroll function across the entire process. 

Your key responsibilities

In a fully global environment, the Tax Services Senior Analyst in Global Payroll Operate will actively participate in all activities within the Global Payroll Operate function. This includes supporting sales and service opportunities under the guidance of a PPMD, Senior Manager or Manager in the group. This role involves collaborating across global regions to ensure compliance, accuracy, and efficiency in payroll operations, while contributing to process improvements and client service excellence.

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight of complex global payroll programs, ensuring governance frameworks, service management standards, and project delivery consistently exceed client expectations.
• Maintain proactive engagement with EY global payroll teams and senior client stakeholders to ensure seamless, timely, and accurate payroll execution across all jurisdictions.
• Respond to payroll and governance payroll queries from clients and internal global stakeholders 
• Oversee the development and maintenance of comprehensive global payroll calendars, ensuring alignment of all delivery milestones, data collection timelines, and stakeholder responsibilities. Drive process efficiency by coordinating with cross border EY teams to standardize and optimize data exchange.
• Develop client payroll calendar detailing all payroll delivery activities and dates; support the collection of client data and work with global EY teams
• Lead payroll accuracy assurance through governance reviews and audit oversight, partnering with country teams to identify defects, determine root causes, and implement sustainable corrective actions aligned with global quality standards.
• Direct the creation, standardization, and annual audit of global payroll process and procedure documentation, ensuring all client specific requirements, compliance obligations, and operational controls remain current and fully aligned with leading practices.
• Provide high level training, enablement, and thought leadership on global payroll tools, governance models, and client specific operational frameworks to worldwide EY country payroll teams, supporting capability uplift and consistent service delivery across the network.

Skills and attributes for success

• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and written and verbal communication skills; problem-solving ability and attention to detail
• Project management skills
• Excellent communication, presentation and client service skills

To qualify for the role, you must have

• Bachelor's degree and relevant post-graduate qualification, preferably with an emphasis in accounting, business or finance
• Four or more years of relevant payroll and/or tax experience or equivalent experience in business or industry
• Possesses an approved HR or business-related certification, or is actively progressing toward one—including SHRM‑CP/SHRM‑SCP; PHR, SPHR, or GPHR through HRCI; Certified Payroll Professional (APA); a Master’s in Business Administration; or the EY Tech MBA
• Understanding of payroll or other related finance /HR activities
• Excellent organizational, project management, technology, Microsoft tools and verbal/written communication skills with a proactive approach to problem solving
• Ability to develop a thorough understanding of EY methodologies and tools to enhance service delivery
• Willingness to travel as needed, and working in a balanced hybrid environment 

Ideally, you'll also have

• Second language is beneficial
• Basic AI knowledge

What we look for

We're interested in professionals with the drive to take on new responsibilities and projects. You'll need the confidence to speak up with your own creative thoughts on a wide range of areas. You'll also have the opportunity to achieve your potential by being given professional development opportunities and experiences with clients across geographies. If you're keen to play a pivotal role within a highly focused global payroll operate team, this role is for you.