Global Payroll Administrator

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Canonical is a leading provider of open source software and operating systems to the global enterprise and technology markets. Our platform, Ubuntu, is widely used in breakthrough enterprise initiatives such as public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Our customers include the world's leading public cloud and silicon providers, and industry leaders in many sectors. The company is a pioneer of global distributed collaboration, with 1200+ colleagues in 75+ countries and very few office‑based roles. Teams meet two to four times yearly in person, in interesting locations around the world, to align on strategy and execution.

We’re looking for an exceptional payroll administrator with experience working with outsourced payroll bureaus (US, UK, EU and/or additional jurisdictions) to manage the company’s end‑to‑end global payroll and contractor payments. You’ll have domain expertise in processing payroll in different countries. You are reliable, diligent and pay attention to details and always work towards improving current processes.

Location: This role may be office based out of London or home based in EMEA, and will report to our Global Financial Controller.

This role entails

• Ensure all payrolls are always delivered on time and with 100% accuracy
• Process the payroll/contractor data in an organized and structured manner
• Manage all payroll deadlines and monthly payroll tasks
• Prepare payroll reports and provide monthly payroll data in journal format to finance for processing
• Comply with GDPR regulations and maintain payroll security/confidentiality
• Deal with payroll queries and resolve or escape as required
• Constantly seek out ways to improve systems and processes to ensure a seamless flow between HR, Payroll and Finance
• Keep payroll policies up to date and write any new procedures as required
• Provide support to any project related activities from Finance and HR
• Provide support to Finance with reporting and audit queries
• Assist with future expansions of global payrolls and other projects
• Manage all payroll correspondence and act as a point of contact for all escalated payroll queries
• Maintain strong cross‑functional team relationships
• Build strong relationships with vendors to ensure excellent service delivery and compliance in all countries

What we are looking for in you

• Experience in a similar payroll role or working with outsourced payroll bureaus
• Excellent communication skills to converse with external parties and internal team members of all levels
• Strong process and planning mindset
• Ability to think outside the box and solve problems when faced with new challenges
• Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail
• Exceptional planning/organizational skills and being deadline oriented
• Ability to work with different software systems, and have excellent knowledge of spreadsheets and formulas
• Being a team player as well as being able to work independently

What we offer you

We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide. We revisit compensation annually (and more often for graduates and associates) to ensure we recognize outstanding performance. In addition to base pay, we offer a performance‑driven annual bonus or commission. We provide all team members with additional benefits which reflect our values and ideals. We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally.

• Distributed work environment with twice‑yearly team sprints in person
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Annual compensation review
• Recognition rewards
• Annual holiday leave
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform
• Opportunity to travel to new locations to meet colleagues
• Priority Pass and travel upgrades for long‑haul company events

About Canonical

Canonical is a pioneering tech firm at the forefront of the global move to open source. As the company that publishes Ubuntu, one of the most important open‑source projects and the platform for AI, IoT, and the cloud, we are changing the world of software. We recruit on a global basis and set a very high standard for people joining the company. We expect excellence; in order to succeed, we need to be the best at what we do. Most colleagues at Canonical have worked from home since our inception in 2004. Working here is a step into the future and will challenge you to think differently, work smarter, learn new skills, and raise your game.

Canonical is an equal opportunity employer

We are proud to foster a workplace free from discrimination. Diversity of experience, perspectives, and background create a better work environment and better products. Whatever your identity, we will give your application fair consideration.