Senior Payroll Analyst – EMEA

Description

The Senior Payroll Analyst will be a key member of the Global Payroll & Timekeeping team, based in our Limerick office. This role partners closely with HR, People Operations, Finance, and external payroll providers to deliver accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll services across multiple EMEA countries. The successful candidate will ensure timely payroll processing, drive operational excellence, and support continuous improvement initiatives across the region.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing & Compliance

• Manage monthly and ad‑hoc payroll cycles—including shadow payroll for international assignees—within an outsourced vendor environment, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Compile and validate monthly payroll inputs (new hires, terminations, compensation changes, benefits-in-kind, statutory payments/deductions, and all other payroll transactions).
• Submit payroll data to third‑party vendors with 100% accuracy and ensure compliance with company policies, statutory requirements, and local labour/tax laws.
• Perform detailed payroll reconciliations and validations before and after each payroll run.
• Coordinate annual tax forms and year‑end activities for assigned countries.
• Ensure all payroll and tax requirements for international assignees are completed on time and in full compliance with legislation and company policies.

Stakeholder Management & Support

• Partnering with stakeholders to support business needs and providing data-driven insights to enable informed decision-making.
• Provide timely and accurate responses to payroll-related queries from employees and stakeholders.
• Collaborate effectively with HR, Finance, Controllership, Tax, IT, and global teams to resolve issues and support business needs.
• Prepare and deliver various post‑payroll reports for internal stakeholders, pension providers, and third-party agencies.
• Support internal and external audits, ensuring proper documentation and quick turnaround on information requests.

Process Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Maintain comprehensive and up‑to‑date documentation of payroll procedures and standard operating processes.
• Identify opportunities for automation, process efficiency, and control improvements using tools such as KNIME, AI, and other digital solutions.
• Lead or participate in payroll-related projects and regional/global initiatives.
• Provide timely and transparent updates to the Regional Payroll Manager and broader team on risks, progress, and deliverables.

Experience & Education Requirements:

• Bachelor degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or a related discipline.
• 6–8 years of hands‑on payroll experience within a multinational organization managing complex, multi‑country EMEA payrolls. (This is not an entry-level role; the experience requirement is non‑negotiable.)
• Additional experience in Business Analytics, Project/Program Management, IT systems would be beneficial.
• Strong understanding of payroll taxation, social insurance, pensions, and statutory requirements in Ireland, the UK, and other EMEA jurisdictions.
• Experience collaborating with or managing outsourced payroll vendors is required.
• Experience with ADP Celergo and Workday is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with automation tools (KNIME, Copilot, Glean, etc.) is an advantage.

Skills & Competencies:

• Strong analytical, numeracy, and attention‑to‑detail skills.
• Advanced Excel and proficient MS-Office user.
• Effective problem‑solver, comfortable with ambiguity.
• Strong communicator (English) with excellent organizational skills.
• Collaborative team player with experience in fast‑paced matrix environments.
• Ability to work independently, manage deadlines, and handle pressure.
• Demonstrate the capacity to adapt to a changing environment while managing multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Bold customer service skills, attention to detail and the ability to follow through to resolve any outstanding issues                                                

This role is categorized as hybrid. This means the selected candidate is expected to report to a specific location at least 3 times a week {or other frequency dictated by their manager}.

This job may be eligible for relocation benefits.

About GM

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Non-Discrimination and Equal Employment Opportunities (U.S.)

General Motors is committed to being a workplace that is not only free of unlawful discrimination, but one that genuinely fosters inclusion and belonging. We strongly believe that providing an inclusive workplace creates an environment in which our employees can thrive and develop better products for our customers.

All employment decisions are made on a non-discriminatory basis without regard to sex, race, color, national origin, citizenship status, religion, age, disability, pregnancy or maternity status, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran or protected veteran, or any other similarly protected status in accordance with federal, state and local laws. 

We encourage interested candidates to review the key responsibilities and qualifications for each role and apply for any positions that match their skills and capabilities. Applicants in the recruitment process may be required, where applicable, to successfully complete a role-related assessment(s) and/or a pre-employment screening prior to beginning employment. To learn more, visit How we Hire.

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