Global Payroll Specialist

Company Description
Etsy is the global marketplace for unique and creative goods. We build, power, and evolve the tools and technologies that connect millions of entrepreneurs with millions of buyers around the world. As an Etsy employee, you will tackle unique, meaningful, and large-scale problems alongside passionate coworkers, all the while making a rewarding impact and Keeping Commerce Human.

We believe exceptional companies are built by exceptional teams, and we're intentional about it. That means hiring great people, setting them up for success from day one, and giving them real reasons to grow their careers here. We invest in development that goes beyond promotions, and we foster the trust and relationships that help people do their best work together.

What’s the role?

Etsy is seeking a a Global Payroll Specialist, who will own and execute end-to-end payroll operations for assigned international countries, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across multiple regions. You'll serve as a subject matter expert for international payroll, partnering closely with People Operations, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Equity, external payroll providers, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver an exceptional employee experience while driving operational excellence. This role requires a proactive, service-oriented professional who can independently manage complex payroll issues, identify process improvements, and lead initiatives that enhance payroll accuracy, scalability, and compliance.

This is a full-time position reporting to the Payroll Manager.

What’s this team like at Etsy?

This team plays an important role in supporting Etsy’s broader finance operations. We work cross-functionally with a variety of teams across the business and contribute to projects that help drive efficiency, accuracy, and scale. Team members are collaborative, detail-oriented, and committed to continuous improvement.

What does the day-to-day look like?

• Independently manage end-to-end payroll processing for assigned international countries (Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Mexico, India and UK) ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll execution.

• Serve as the primary payroll partner for international employees, resolving complex payroll inquiries with a high level of customer service and urgency.

• Partner with external payroll providers to validate payroll inputs, review outputs, reconcile variances, manage funding timelines, and ensure all reporting deadlines are met.

• Review and reconcile payroll data between Workday and third-party payroll systems, proactively identifying discrepancies and driving timely resolution.

• Collaborate with Finance and Accounting on payroll funding, journal entries, accruals, month-end close activities, and payroll account reconciliations.

• Partner closely with People Operations, Total Rewards, Equity, Tax, and Legal teams to ensure payroll changes are processed accurately and remain compliant with local regulations.

• Monitor compliance with country-specific payroll legislation, tax requirements, social insurance contributions, and data privacy regulations, escalating risks and recommending solutions as needed.

• Lead payroll audits, data validations, and quality assurance reviews to improve payroll accuracy and reduce operational risk.

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying automation opportunities, improving documentation, standardizing processes, and implementing scalable solutions.

• Participate in Workday enhancements, payroll system implementations, integrations, and testing activities while serving as a payroll subject matter expert.

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with payroll vendors, evaluating service performance and ensuring compliance with service level agreements.

• Analyze payroll trends, metrics, and recurring issues to recommend process improvements and operational efficiencies.

• Provide guidance and knowledge sharing to payroll team members while acting as a trusted resource for complex international payroll matters.

• Provide backup support for U.S. payroll processing as needed.

• Lead or participate in cross-functional payroll projects and other strategic initiatives.

• Assist with additional responsibilities and special projects as business needs evolve.

• Of course, this is just a sample of the kinds of work this role will require! You should assume that your role will encompass other tasks, too, and that your job duties and responsibilities may change from time to time at Etsy's discretion, or otherwise applicable with local law.

Qualities that will help you thrive in this role are:

• 4+ years of progressive payroll experience, including ownership of multi-country payrolls (North America, EMEA, India, and Ireland) 

• Demonstrated experience independently managing international payroll operations across multiple countries and payroll providers.

• Strong working knowledge of Workday HCM and payroll integrations; experience with cloud-based payroll platforms required.

• Comprehensive understanding of international payroll compliance, including tax regulations, statutory deductions, social contributions, year-end reporting, and data privacy requirements.

• Experience partnering with third-party global payroll providers such as ADP, Ernest & Young, UHY (Hacker Young) or similar vendors.

• Advanced Excel skills, including data analysis, reconciliations, pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and reporting.

• Proven ability to analyze complex payroll data, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.

• Experience supporting payroll accounting activities, including reconciliations, and month-end close processes.

• Demonstrated success leading process improvements, automation initiatives, system implementations, or operational projects.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple payroll calendars, competing priorities, and tight deadlines.

• Strong communication, collaboration, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build trusted partnerships across HR, Finance, Accounting, Tax, Legal, and external vendors.

• High level of integrity, discretion, and commitment to maintaining confidentiality.

• Thrives as an independent individual contributor while effectively collaborating across global teams.

• Professional payroll certification (CPP, FPC, CIPP, or equivalent) is a plus.

Compensation & Benefits

In addition to salary, you'll be eligible for an equity package, an annual performance bonus, and our competitive benefits that support you and your family. Base salary is determined by your location, skills, and experience.

Etsy uses two geographic pay zones to reflect the labor markets where we compete for talent: one called Geo-1, covering the New York City metropolitan area, San Francisco Bay Area, and Seattle metropolitan area, and one called Geo-2, covering all other U.S. locations. Salary ranges for this role vary by zone and are listed below.

Location

We prioritize candidates based within commutable distance of Etsy’s Brooklyn Office. Depending on proximity, we ask team members to come in once or twice per week. Remote candidates outside commutable distance may be considered on a case-by-case basis, with the expectation of occasional travel to the office. Learn more details about our work modes and workplace safety policies here.

Salary Range:

• Geo-1: 100,000.00 - 136,000.00 USD Annual • Geo-2: 90,000.00 - 122,000.00 USD Annual

What's Next

If you're interested in joining the team at Etsy, please share your resume with us and feel free to include a cover letter if you'd like. As we hope you've seen already, Etsy is a place that values individuality and variety. We don't want you to be like everyone else -- we want you to be like you! So tell us what you're all about.

Our Promise

At Etsy, we believe that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace furthers relevance, resilience, and longevity. We encourage people from all backgrounds, ages, abilities, and experiences to apply. Etsy is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, religion or creed, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, citizenship or immigration status, marital or familial status, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status**, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law**. If, due to a disability, you need an accommodation during any part of the interview or hiring process, please let your recruiter know and we will work with you to meet your needs. While Etsy supports visa sponsorship, sponsorship opportunities may be limited to certain roles and skills.