Payroll Manager - Operations & Compliance, Americas

As a Payroll Manager - Operations & Compliance at Xero, you will manage end-to-end payroll operations, ensuring accuracy and timeliness for the USA and Canada. You'll also oversee compliance, conduct reconciliations, and support audit activities. Your role will involve collaborating closely with the People Experience team and other financial departments to maintain high payroll standards while developing and mentoring your team to excel in their roles.

To be successful as a Payroll Manager - Operations & Compliance at Xero, you’ll require over 8 years of payroll management experience specifically within large organizations in the USA and Canada. Familiarity with payroll legislation is crucial, and experience with platforms like ADP and WD is highly advantageous. Additionally, proven leadership skills in coaching and developing teams are essential for this role.

Xero places a strong emphasis on career development and offers a variety of training opportunities for the Payroll Manager - Operations & Compliance. You'll have access to both internal and external training programs, resources to enhance your skills, and the opportunity to mentor and coach your team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth.

Xero offers an attractive benefits package for its Payroll Manager, including generous paid leave, focused wellbeing programs, medical and dental insurance, 401k matching, and even fertility support. With the aim of creating a healthy work-life balance, Xero provides a supportive environment that encourages team members to thrive both professionally and personally.

The workplace culture for the Payroll Manager at Xero is vibrant, inclusive, and people-centric. Our human-first values promote respect, fairness, and diversity of thought. You'll be part of a team that fosters collaboration and innovation while focusing on delivering results for our small business customers, providing an inspiring environment to thrive in.

A successful Payroll Manager - Operations & Compliance at Xero should have strong leadership abilities, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of payroll legislation. Proficiency in payroll processing, analytical skills for auditing, and the ability to identify process improvements are also essential. Furthermore, experience with payroll software will enhance your transition into this role.

The onboarding process for the Payroll Manager - Operations & Compliance at Xero is designed to reflect the company's commitment to employee success. You will receive thorough training about our payroll systems and company policies, access to mentors, and opportunities to meet and connect with other teams, ensuring you have all the tools needed to excel in your new role.

In responding, highlight components such as end-to-end payroll processing, compliance with payroll legislation, reconciliations, and reporting. Demonstrating your understanding of the critical nature of each element and your experience in managing them will showcase your expertise in payroll operations.

You can answer this by explaining your systematic approach to staying updated on payroll regulatory changes, actively engaging with local teams, and leveraging compliance checklists. It’s beneficial to emphasize collaboration with finance and People Experience teams to maintain a compliant payroll process.

Discuss specific instances where you provided mentorship and training to payroll staff. Use examples that illustrate your ability to identify strengths and weaknesses in team members, as well as how you have motivated them through continuous learning opportunities and constructive feedback.

Share innovative strategies you've employed, such as process automation, utilizing payroll software features, or implementing standardized operating procedures. This exhibits your proactive approach to enhancing efficiency and accuracy in payroll operations.

Convey your methodical approach to preparing for audits, detailing how you keep complete, organized records and run regular audits to catch discrepancies early. Discuss collaborating with internal and external auditors to ensure all aspects of payroll are compliant and precise.

Outline a structured approach, such as identifying the issue, assessing its impact, communicating with the relevant stakeholders, and implementing a solution. Your response should reflect your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure while maintaining payroll integrity.

Emphasize your commitment to professional development, including attending workshops, joining professional networks, and subscribing to payroll-related publications. Indicate how you apply new knowledge to ensure compliance and maintain best practices in your role.

Share a specific instance where you improved payroll processing times or accuracy through a process change. Be sure to outline the problem, the steps taken to resolve it, and the measurable outcomes following your implementation.

Discuss the importance of open communication, regular team meetings, and team-building activities that strengthen relationships within the team. Talk about your ability to create a collaborative environment where ideas are freely shared and support is always available.

Reflect on your passion for helping others succeed, ensuring accuracy in payroll, and the joy of mentoring personnel. Express how these motivations align with Xero's culture of support and excellence, making you an ideal fit for the company.