Payroll Manager EMEA

About the Role & Team

Manage EMEA Payroll for 12-14 countries outside of the UK across several lines of business within The Walt Disney Company . This role is accomplished t hrough leadership of 5-6 Analy sts on the EMEA Time and Payroll team and management of diverse stakeholders across the businesses. Primary lead for payroll project s supporting business change through the implementation of best practic e models/system solutions for approximately 12 -14 countries across EMEA. Direct line management and functional/leadership development of payroll t eam members.

What You Will Do

Core Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing, statutory reporting, and audit support for a variety of lines of business within EMEA countries outside the UK

• Make certain p ayroll p rocessing performed by the regional p ayroll vendor meet s or exceed s the established Payroll SLA, controls and compliance standards

• Manage and develop direct reports to support payroll operations and succession planning

• Adapt departmental plans and priorities to address resource and operational challenges

• Act as escalation point for all EMEA payroll service issues in assigned countries and support timely resolution efforts through vendor

• Ensure employees receive accurate remuneration on the published pay dates, thereby ensuring that the Company meets its contractual obligations

• Coordinate and carefully maintain relationship s between third party payroll providers and Disney internal partners to ensure timely and accurate payroll process

• Approve monthly, quarterly, annual and other periodicity reports to the management of the Company, local authorities and other recipients

• R esolve all assigned payroll - related queries from employees and legal entity stakeholders in a professional and timely manner , escalating further as necessary

• Resolve legal entity questions and/or concerns regarding the payroll process

• Oversee required payments to third parties and ensure statutory deadlines are met

• Support and provide appropriate cover for other peer Managers within the EMEA organisation

• Oversee and ensure payroll compliance in accordance with audit controls and procedures

• Troubleshoot SAP technical issues at a high level ( e.g., GL posting discrepancies, etc.)

• P ropose enhancements as appropriate to address improvement and efficienc y opportunities

Operational Lead

• Oversee Stock Options/RSU and LTIC payments for local and country transfers

• Support defining local technical and functi o nal requirements as required

• Facilitate payroll involvement with global and local initiatives when appropriate

• Provide s trategic support for ongoing operations

• Support resolution for supplier service failures

• Share best practices/processes/systems across countries

• Act as the primary vendor contact to support payroll governance

• Establish a regional strategy for best practice supplier governance methodology

• Implement standardised procedural and legal frameworks across EMEA region

• Identify and manage appropriate relationships with key internal and external stakeholders and authorities/bodies for the benefit of the business

• Provide advice and direction regarding payroll process, compliance, and best practice/processes

• Facilitate collaboration between local payroll teams and other global functional teams to implement new programs /initiatives, resolve issues, share solutions

• Ensure consistency in regulatory compliance and Internal Controls

Required Qualifications & Skills

• P ayroll management qualification

• Significant related experience, ideally leading a payroll team for a large multi-national employer

• Strong knowledge of payroll practices, regulations and taxes across a broad spectrum of countries within EMEA

• Ability to work independently, act with discretion , and appropriately handle co nfidential information

• Possess d emonstrable interest/knowledge of information systems

• Ability to drive transformational change and lead change management activities

• Proven experience of reviewing and developing payroll procedures and policies

• Experience handling expenses , benefits , and perquisites, including their relevant tax treatments

• High attention to detail with strong analytical and accounting skills

• Demonstrated payroll experience with a retail or entertainment business, is a bonus

• Ability to lead others to successfully accomplish both individual and team objectives

• Communicate effectively and build strong working relationships with other functions (e.g. HR , Controllership, Line of Business leaders )

• Flexible and adaptable; able to evolve and grow with a dynamic business environment

• Excellent interpersonal skills - approachable, t reats people with respect, open and candid, able to develop effective working relationships with staff at all level s

• Good decision - making skills

• Project Management experience

• Flexible approach to work, responsibilities and deadlines

• Strong focus in customer service

• Diplomatic, Discreet and Confidential