Global Director of Payroll

Position summary

The Global Director of Payroll is responsible for overseeing the Firm's global payroll operations across the United States and EMEA/APAC regions. Responsibilities include:

• Ensuring accurate and legally compliant payroll processing across multiple jurisdictions
• Establishing centralized governance and standardized controls
• Partnering with regional teams and external providers
• Leading the payroll function and team
• Managing payroll tax and wage and hour compliance
• Driving process improvements
• Partnering with Human Resources, Legal, Benefits, Accounting & Finance, and external vendors

The Director serves as the Firm's subject matter expert on payroll operations and compliance and plays a critical role in aligning payroll processes with organizational needs and policies.

• Directly supervises Senior Payroll Manager(s)
• Provides leadership and direction to the global payroll team

Job duties and responsibilities

• Manage the Firm's payroll function and global payroll governance, including:
  • Policies
  • Controls
  • Documentation standards
  • Escalation protocols
• Provide oversight of payroll operations across U.S. and EMEA/APAC offices for:
  • Attorneys
  • Staff
  • Partners
  • Monthly, bi-weekly, and periodic distributions
• Ensure compliance with:
  • U.S. federal, state, and local laws
  • International and EMEA/APAC regulatory requirements
• Lead development and execution of global payroll processes aligned with:
  • Firm policies
  • Financial controls
  • IRS and FLSA requirements
• Define, monitor, and report on payroll performance metrics, including:
  • Accuracy
  • Timeliness
  • Compliance
  • Vendor performance
• Monitor payroll compliance risks and lead remediation efforts
• Ensure accuracy of payroll calculations, including:
  • Overtime
  • Bonuses
  • Garnishments
  • Commissions
  • Benefit deductions
  • Paid leave
• Direct payroll tax compliance activities, including:
  • Withholding
  • Filings
  • Quarterly and annual reporting (W-2, W-3, 941, 940)
  • Reconciliation
• Serve as primary liaison with payroll tax authorities
• Ensure integration and data accuracy across systems, including:
  • Payroll vendor
  • HRIS
  • Time/attendance/LOA platforms
  • Regional third-party vendors
• Oversee payroll vendor relationships and service delivery
• Establish and maintain internal controls, policies, and procedures
• Collaborate with:
  • Human Resources
  • Legal and tax advisors
  • Benefits
  • Accounting & Finance
  • Regional leaders
• Partner with the Global Controller on:
  • Financial reporting
  • Month-end close
  • Payroll data reconciliation
• Lead system upgrades and process improvement initiatives
• Conduct audits of payroll and tax processes and lead remediation efforts
• Support escalated employee and partner payroll inquiries
• Coach and develop payroll team leadership, including:
  • Training on legal and tax updates
  • Fostering accountability and service culture
• Support payroll integration for new offices and expansions
• Lead or contribute to special projects as assigned

Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as necessary. Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time.

Requirements

Education:

• BS in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related discipline
• Certified Payroll Professional designation preferred

Experience:

• 10+ years of progressive payroll experience
• Leadership experience in complex, multi-state and multi-country environments
• Experience in professional services or partnership environment preferred
• Experience with international payroll operations (EMEA/APAC preferred)
• Experience managing external payroll providers
• Experience navigating multi-jurisdictional compliance

Skills:

• Deep knowledge of payroll laws and regulations
• Understanding of global payroll governance and risk management
• Proven leadership and team management capability
• Strong analytical and interpersonal skills
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Experience with Ceridian and/or Workday (or similar systems)
• High attention to detail and discretion
• Ability to lead cross-border initiatives
• Strong understanding of payroll controls, audit readiness, and compliance frameworks

Other

Supervisory responsibilities:

• Directly supervises Senior Payroll Manager and two Payroll Supervisors

Equipment to be used:

• Personal computer
• Telephone, calculator, copier, scanner, and other standard office equipment

Essential job functions:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged computer use
• Ability to use computers and digital collaboration tools
• Ability to communicate effectively
• Ability to work in-office as required
• Ability to travel for meetings and training
• Ability to work extended hours as needed
• Ability to concentrate, apply critical thinking, and act in a fast-paced environment
• Flexibility to adjust working hours to support international stakeholders

Working conditions:

You will be required to work in the office at minimum 4 days per week. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor.

Pay ranges

This represents the presently-anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith's pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including location and experience.

• Pittsburgh: $190,000 - $225,000

Employee benefits overview

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Virtual Health Services
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)
• Transportation Benefit
• Back-up Child Care Services
• College Coach Program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)
• Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401(k) plan.

Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.