Head Of Global Payroll

Morningstar is looking for a Head of Global Payroll to join our global Finance team, which is focused on business partnership, innovation, automation, and process improvement. As the Head of Global Payroll, you will be responsible for the development and execution of Morningstar's global payroll vision and strategy, while ensuring operational excellence within the team and daily processes. You will build and maintain the proper services levels and governance structures between the payroll function and other key stakeholder groups such as People & Culture, Information Technology, Tax, FP&A and Accounting. The role will provide value to the business by supporting and executing key process optimization opportunities and larger scale transformational programs.

This is a full-time position in our shared services function and can be based in a Morningstar office in Chicago.

Job Responsibilities:

• Serve as the global leader for all payroll operations and strategic initiatives.

• Lead and manage payroll teams and vendor relationships across North America, EMEA and APAC.

• Develop the overall payroll strategy and manage the transformational roadmap considering the associated governance, policies, procedures, technologies, and other change management requirements.

• Execute deployment and adoption of a global/regional payroll model, related systems and processes with local customization as needed, to aid in the quality, efficiency, and delivery of standardized processes.

• Oversee end-to-end global payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely processing across regions

• Establish and monitor key service level agreements (SLAs) and metrics in partnership with payroll vendors, regional controllers, People & Culture, and payroll shared service teams.

• Work closely with teams to ensure proper internal controls are established and executed that are appropriate for a U.S. publicly traded company.

• Stay abreast of current payroll and leading practices occurring in the payroll industry to inform strategic direction and process enhancement.

• Collaborate with other key functions/stakeholders, upstream and downstream, on all transformation initiatives to align and leverage cross-process opportunities with a focus on enhancing effectiveness and efficiency.

• Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to senior leadership on payroll-related matters.

• Demonstrate strong business acumen and excellent financial judgement in supporting the business by developing prioritization of payroll projects, transformation, and improvement opportunities.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree and a payroll qualification preferred (e.g. Certified Payroll Accountant or equivalent)

• Minimum of 10+ years progressive payroll experience operating within a multinational organization

• Proven experience with payroll operations leadership and/or payroll process and implementation is required.

• Experience with setting up or implementing a global/regional payroll aggregator and managing regional or global payroll shared service centers is required.

• Strong functional knowledge of core end to end global payroll processes and procedures is required.

• Expert knowledge of US payroll required coupled with Canada, APAC, EMEA and LATAM payroll knowledge is preferred.

• Workday (HRIS), UKG, and ADP payroll product suite (or other well-known payroll platform) advanced knowledge will be an asset.

• Ability to manage the complexities of a global payroll function and lead by influence, build, and foster relationships with payroll teams, human resources, finance, and other key stakeholders.

• Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse team.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with a customer-centric mindset.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate complex information in a succinct, clear manner to all levels of the organization is required.

• Ability to assess and articulate business requirements, analyze design options, coordinate testing and drive implementation.

• Experience with integration of new/acquired companies into acquiror payroll processes will be an asset.

• Strong skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office programs (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word).

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Morningstar's hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to work remotely and collaborate in-person each week. We've found that we're at our best when we're purposely together on a regular basis, at least three days each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you'll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.