Global Payroll Implementation Manager

At EY, you’ll have the chance to build a career as unique as you are, with the global scale, support, inclusive culture and technology to become the best version of you. And we’re counting on your unique voice and perspective to help EY become even better, too. Join us and build an exceptional experience for yourself, and a better working world for all. 

EY Global Delivery Services (GDS) is the hub of innovation, a technology powerhouse, a global talent center and, a driver of operational excellence within EY, propelling EY’s purpose of building a better working world.  With a robust network spread across 9 countries and 20 cities, GDS’s dynamic network of highly talented professionals leverage data, AI, and cutting-edge technology to enhance EY's wide array of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy, and transactions.

Join us at EY GDS Hungary to shape your future with confidence. 

Job Purpose

The Global Payroll Implementation Program Manager holds primary responsibility for leading all global payroll implementation programs within EY GDS for the Global Payroll Operate business, under the People Advisory Services division of the Tax service line. This role requires experience in global payroll implementation, project management, client engagement, transformation, business acumen, and change management to successfully deliver large-scale implementations for clients across multiple geographies.

Responsibilities 

• Lead large-scale global payroll implementation programs across multiple regions and countries, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and client expectations.
• Apply recognized best-practice methodologies (risk management, governance, quality assurance, issue resolution, and reporting) to deliver projects on time and within scope & budget
• Act as the primary point of contact for client stakeholders, ensuring clear communication, expectation management, and satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee integration of payroll technology platforms with client systems (Inbound & Outbound), ensuring seamless data flow and compliance.
• Manage cross-functional teams, including internal resources and third-party vendors, fostering collaboration and accountability.
• Oversee multiple country-level implementation projects, ensuring alignment to global methodology and timelines. Identify and mitigate risks, ensuring compliance with global payroll regulations and standards.
• Manage end-to-end payroll implementation lifecycle including planning, discovery, design, configuration, testing, parallel runs, cut-over, go-live & stabilization.
• Manage client expectations, scope, and change control. Build strong relationships with external clients and internal stakeholders. Report executive-level stakeholder updates and drive steerco meetings.
• Develop client facing materials that orient and prepare the client for a successful understanding and execution of implementation to operational production including training, tools, processes, contact lists, escalation procedures, operational performance measures, etc.
• Ensure high levels of customer satisfaction by delivering project cost, schedule and quality objectives.
• Define ongoing key performance measures that identify and report on client satisfaction and team performance related to implementation activities. 
• Review project outcomes to identify and implement corrective actions that improve future delivery in terms of cost, quality, and customer satisfaction.
• Interview, onboard, develop and grow talent that continually meets or exceeds job requirements. Mentor project managers, project stakeholders to align with global standards.
• Possesses experience in team management and feedback communication, with the ability to encourage project managers and unite everyone as a cohesive team.
• Capable of defining program goals, vision, and success metrics that align with and support the overall business strategy.

Functional & Technical skills 

• End-to-end global payroll implementation knowledge is essential. Thorough understanding of upstream and downstream processes that impact Payroll.
• Should have managed multi-country Payroll implementations in a shared service environment.
• Flexibility and good team working skills. Excellent communication, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Highly organized with excellent customer service skills and comfortable in a client-facing environment.
• Strong IT and functional integration knowledge (Workday, SuccessFactors, HRIS, payroll platforms, T&A & various HRMS Modules).
• Proven capability to define, document and rollout procedures and processes across multiple departments and/or groups.
• Expertise in UAT, scenario testing, payroll parallel runs, data validation, and go-live cutover.
• Ability to effectively engage with prospects or clients to properly position the value and scope of services provided by the team.
• Ability to work with internal/external customers globally and/or virtual basis.  Ability to develop standard implementation methodology, tools and templates.

Qualifications & Experience 

• Graduate or Post Graduate in Accounting / Finance / Administrations/ Operations. MBA or Business Management skills preferred.
• Fluent Engish
• min. 3 years of relevant hands-on experience in Payroll implementations for large organizations, overall min. 5 years of Payroll experience
• Strong program and project management experience (PMP, Prince2, Agile preferred).
• Experience with AI-powered analytics, automation, or intelligent payroll operations.

 What we offer

By seamlessly integrating with EY member firm teams across the globe, GDS contributes significantly to EY's purposeful and sustainable growth, delivering insights and solutions that foster trust in capital markets and create value for EY clients, society, and the planet.

We strive to achieve the right balance for our people, enabling to deliver excellent results while allowing everyone to build your career without sacrificing personal priorities, providing:

GDS is All in to shape the future with confidence, addressing today's challenges, and anticipating tomorrow's needs. EY GDS is not just reimagining the future of work—it's actively building it, ensuring agility, efficiency, and resilience in an ever-evolving world.

• A competitive salary and benefits package, including private health insurance.
• Opportunities for professional development and career growth, by access to training and development programs, coaching and mentoring as well as on-the job opportunities.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment with multicultural teams.
• Flexible working hours and hybrid work with 2 days in the office per week.
• Employee wellness programs and initiatives and the opportunity to obtain the All You Can Move sport pass.
• Possibility to volunteer for meaningful initiatives to positively impact lives in the community.

GDS is All in to shape the future with confidence, addressing today's challenges, and anticipating tomorrow's needs. EY GDS is not just reimagining the future of work - it's actively building it, ensuring agility, efficiency, and resilience in an ever-evolving world.

EY | Building a better working world 

 
EY exists to build a better working world, helping to create long-term value for clients, people and society and build trust in the capital markets.  

 
Enabled by data and technology, diverse EY teams in over 150 countries provide trust through assurance and help clients grow, transform and operate.  

 
Working across assurance, consulting, law, strategy, tax and transactions, EY teams ask better questions to find new answers for the complex issues facing our world today.