Payroll Center of Excellence Leader – IBM US Account

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy: Oversee end-to-end payroll operations for the US account within the Hungary COE, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• US Payroll Compliance & Expertise: Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on US payroll tax regulations, SOX requirements, and payroll controls. Ensure adherence to all federal, state, and local payroll tax obligations.
• Payroll Execution & Controls: Lead and monitor payroll tie-outs, reconciliations, and control processes to ensure accuracy and timely execution of payroll.
• Health & Welfare & 401(k) Deductions: Oversee the accurate processing of health and welfare deductions, 401(k) contributions, and other benefit-related payroll deductions.
• Process Optimization: Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and best practices to enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and compliance.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Partner with key stakeholders, including HR, Finance, CIO, and external payroll vendors, to align payroll processes with business objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Audit & Risk Management: Ensure payroll processes adhere to internal controls, SOX compliance, and audit requirements. Address any compliance issues and mitigate risks proactively.
• People Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing payroll team in the Hungary COE, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous learning.

Qualification & Requirements

Preferred Education

• Master’s Degree

Required Technical And Professional Expertise

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience in HR and/or payroll operations, with a strong focus on US payroll.
• Experience in managing large-scale payroll operations within a shared services or COE model.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and process improvement skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Leadership experience with a proven ability to develop and motivate teams.

Preferred Technical And Professional Experience

• Expertise in US payroll tax laws, compliance, and regulatory requirements, including SOX controls.
• Proficiency in payroll systems (Workday and/or SAP SuccessFactors) and automation tools.
• CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or other payroll certification.
• Experience with AI-driven payroll automation and digital transformation initiatives.
• Prior experience working in a multinational, matrixed environment.

Benefits

No information available.