Senior Payroll Specialist

Job Description : About the Function: Global Business Operations keeps our business moving, connecting markets, streamlining processes and keeping everything running smoothly at scale. With teams across Bangalore, Budapest, Bogotá, Gurugram, and Manila, GBO delivers the essential services that support our day-to-day performance, from finance to operations and beyond. It’s a truly global environment, where collaboration across time zones and cultures is part of everyday life. You’ll gain exposure to different markets, build skills for the future and develop a broad understanding of how a business operates at scale. It’s a great place to learn, grow and see the bigger picture. About the role: The Senior Specialist is responsible for the operational ownership of assigned EMEA payrolls throughout the complete payroll lifecycle. The role partners closely with HR Operations, First Point, Reward, Finance, Employment Tax, Treasury, Global Mobility and outsourced payroll providers to ensure payroll inputs are accurate, payroll outputs are validated, statutory obligations are met, and employees are paid accurately and on time. The role combines deep payroll expertise with operational ownership, ensuring payroll governance, compliance, and an excellent employee experience while supporting continuous improvement and payroll transformation initiatives. Dimensions Financial Responsible for payroll operations supporting multiple EMEA countries. Ensures accurate salary, bonus and statutory payments. Performs payroll reconciliations and financial validations. Supports payroll journals, funding validation and financial reporting. Supports internal and external audits. Geographic Complexity Responsible for payroll operations across multiple EMEA countries covering different: Payroll legislation Tax regulations Social Security requirements Collective agreements Payroll vendors Banking models Payroll calendars Supports complex payroll scenarios including: New hires Terminations Bonus payments Equity payments Final settlements Leave of absence Expatriate payroll Off-cycle payments Statutory corrections Relationships Partners closely with: Payroll Partners HR Operations First Point Reward Finance Treasury Employment Tax Global Mobility HR Directors Internal Audit External Auditors Acts as the primary operational contact for assigned payrolls. Purpose of Role The Senior Specialist is responsible for delivering accurate, timely and compliant payroll operations across assigned EMEA markets through Diageo's outsourced payroll operating model. The role leads the complete payroll lifecycle from payroll input collection through payroll validation, payroll partner management, payroll output reconciliation, payment processing and post-payroll activities. The Senior Specialist works closely with upstream business functions and outsourced payroll providers to ensure payroll inputs are complete and accurate, payroll outputs are fully reconciled, payroll controls are implemented effectively, and all payroll activities are completed within agreed service levels. The role also supports operational excellence through continuous improvement, audit readiness, compliance and payroll transformation initiatives. Key Accountabilities 1. End-to-End Payroll Operations Own end-to-end payroll operations for assigned EMEA payrolls. Implement payroll activities throughout the complete payroll cycle. Ensure payroll calendars and operational timelines are achieved. Coordinate payroll readiness activities with internal stakeholders and payroll partners. 2. Payroll Input Management Gather payroll inputs from HR Operations, First Point, Reward, Finance, Employment Tax, Treasury and Global Mobility. Validate payroll inputs for completeness, accuracy and compliance. Review new hires, exits, compensation changes, allowances, overtime, leave transactions, benefits and statutory inputs. Ensure payroll inputs are submitted to payroll partners within agreed timelines. 3. Payroll Partner Management Coordinate payroll processing activities with outsourced payroll providers. Submit payroll input files and supporting documentation. Respond to payroll partner queries. Track payroll processing landmarks. Ensure vendor adherence to payroll calendars and agreed service levels. 4. Payroll Validation & Reconciliation Perform payroll validation activities throughout the payroll lifecycle, including: Pre-Payroll Input validation Headcount reconciliation Master data validation Payroll readiness checks During Payroll Gross-to-net validation Variance analysis Exception management Payroll quality checks Post Payroll Payroll output reconciliation Payroll journals Funding validation Statutory reconciliation Control completion Payroll reporting Review and validate: Salary payments Bonus and incentive payments Final settlements Off-cycle payments Statutory deductions Tax calculations 5. Payroll Controls & Compliance Complete payroll controls in accordance with Diageo's governance framework. Complete payroll checklists and maker responsibilities. Maintain payroll documentation and audit evidence. Support internal and external audits. Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and internal policies. 6. Payment Processing Prepare salary payment files. Process salary and statutory payments. Validate banking information. Support payment approvals. Coordinate funding requirements with Treasury. 7. Employee Experience Resolve payroll-related employee queries. Manage payroll cases through ServiceNow. Partner with payroll vendors to resolve complex payroll issues. Ensure queries are resolved within agreed SLAs. Deliver a positive employee payroll experience. 8. Reporting & Analytics Prepare payroll operational reports. Perform payroll variance analysis. Produce reconciliation reports. Support payroll KPI reporting. Analyse payroll trends and identify improvement opportunities. 9. Continuous Improvement Find opportunities to simplify payroll processes. Support automation initiatives. Improve payroll controls and operational efficiency. Update payroll SOPs and documentation. Participate in payroll transformation initiatives. Qualifications & Experience Bachelor's degree in HR, Finance, Business Administration, Accounting or related subject area. 5–8 years of experience leading multi-country payroll operations across EMEA. Experience working within an outsourced payroll operating model. Strong understanding of payroll operations, statutory legislation and payroll controls. Experience working with Workday, ServiceNow and payroll reporting tools. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. Experience supporting payroll audits and regulatory compliance. Skills & Capabilities Payroll Expertise Multi-country payroll operations Payroll input validation Payroll reconciliation Gross-to-Net review Payroll controls Payroll reporting Statutory compliance Vendor Management Payroll partner management SLA monitoring Issue resolution Payroll calendar management Operational Excellence Process improvement Automation Continuous improvement Data analysis Root Cause Analysis Behavioural Competencies Strong analytical skills Attention to detail Customer management Customer focus Ownership and accountability Problem-solving Ability to manage multiple payrolls in a fast-paced environment Role Responsibilities: Experience / skills required: Flexible Working Statement: Flexibility is key to our success. Talk to us about what flexibility means to you, so that you’re supported to manage your wellbeing and balance your priorities from day one. Rewards & Benefits Statement: We recognise and value performance, offering our people a highly competitive Rewards and Benefits package including: Diversity statement: Our purpose is to celebrate life, every day, everywhere. And creating an inclusive culture, where everyo