Global Head of Payroll - Vice President / Senior Vice President

About the Role

iCapital is seeking a Vice President or Senior Vice President to join the Corporate Finance team as a seasoned, strategic payroll executive. This role will be responsible for the end-to-end global payroll function, including payroll operations, payroll accounting and controls, vendor governance, and payroll-related risk management. You will own the company's global payroll strategy and operating model while directly managing a team overseeing payroll services across all jurisdictions.

This individual will ensure payroll is executed accurately, compliantly, and on time across all jurisdictions while enabling scalability, strong internal controls, and an excellent employee experience. Reporting into Corporate Finance leadership, this role partners closely with the Accounting, Tax, Treasury, Legal, and HR teams. A key area of responsibility is oversight of equity compensation as it flows through payroll, including taxable equity events, withholding and deposits, reconciliation, and reporting. This is a highly visible role with regular interaction with senior leadership and auditors, offering the opportunity to shape payroll as a strategic, enterprise-level function.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute the global payroll strategy, operating model, and governance framework, balancing global consistency with local regulatory requirements.
• Lead and develop a high-performing global payroll team, fostering a culture of accountability, precision, and continuous improvement.
• Own payroll governance, internal controls, and risk management, ensuring audit readiness and compliance across all jurisdictions.
• Manage day-to-day and strategic relationships actively with payroll managed services partners, including SLAs, KPIs, escalations, and quarterly business reviews.
• Ensure accurate and timely processing of all pay elements, including salary changes, bonuses, commissions, equity-related payments, leaves, deductions, garnishments, severance, and one-time payments.
• Partner with the Accounting team on payroll accruals, balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis, and financial reporting impacts.
• Partner with the Treasury team on payroll funding cycles, banking relationships, and liquidity planning tied to payroll and equity settlement activity.
• Oversee payroll aspects of equity compensation, including coordination with Stock Administration on RSU vesting, stock option exercises, and other taxable equity events.
• Ensure correct tax withholding, timely payroll tax deposits, and accurate reporting for equity compensation based on award type and settlement timing.
• Oversee U.S. (W-2s, 1095s), Canadian, and other global year-end payroll reporting and filings, delivered accurately and on schedule.
• Manage payroll-related compliance activities, including multi-state registrations, employment tax requirements, audits, and government inquiries.
• Serve as the executive escalation point for complex payroll issues and employee inquiries, ensuring prompt resolution and clear communication.
• Drive payroll technology optimization, integration, and process improvements to enhance efficiency and user experience.

What We're Looking For

This role requires a strategic payroll leader with extensive experience managing global payroll operations, preferably in complex, multi-jurisdictional environments. The ideal candidate will have demonstrated success leading cross-functional teams, managing vendor relationships, and implementing payroll controls and compliance frameworks. Strong financial acumen, equity compensation knowledge, and experience with payroll systems and technology are essential. Leadership presence and the ability to communicate effectively with executive stakeholders and auditors are critical for success.

💰 Compensation not publicly listed. Market estimate for similar roles: from $80K, varying by experience and location.