Senior Payroll Specialist

Company Description

Wise is a global technology company, building the best way to move and manage the world's money.

Min fees. Max ease. Full speed.

• Whether people and businesses are sending money to another country, spending abroad, or making and receiving international payments, Wise is on a mission to make their lives easier and save them money.
• As part of our team, you will be helping us create an entirely new network for the world's money.
• For everyone, everywhere.
• More about our mission and what we offer .

Job Description

• We're currently hiring for a Senior Payroll Specialist based in Austin to join our global Payroll Team.
• We're looking for a payroll superstar, with a keen eye for accuracy, attention to detail and a desire to share your payroll expertise and knowledge with our Global Payroll Team.
• Reporting to the Americas Payroll Lead, you'll have above-average understanding of US Payroll and experience with international payrolls,, its overall function, and how our team provides excellent service to others.
• You'll be responsible for the accurate, effective, and timely processing of your multiple payrolls/ countries for each pay period.
• This exciting role will join a team responsible for the overall global payroll, including process, compliance, audit and reconciliation across multiple countries for Wise.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll cycles: Execute daily, weekly, monthly, annual, and ad-hoc payroll tasks to ensure timely processing ahead of strict deadlines, with a primary focus on US payrolls.
• Data integrity & submission: Take full ownership of compiling, double-checking, and submitting accurate payroll inputs to third-party providers, ensuring payroll outputs perfectly balance with source inputs.
• Reporting & GL management: Generate and review critical payroll outputs, including pre- and post-payroll journals, General Ledger (GL) files, and custom ad-hoc reports.
• Documentation: Maintain meticulous historical payroll files and comprehensive audit trails for all processed cycles.
• Vendor management: Partner with third-party payroll vendors and tax advisors to maximize accuracy, minimize errors, and drive processing efficiencies.
• Cross-functional support: Collaborate with the wider Payroll team and the Senior Payroll Lead to provide transaction support and cross-train across different regions to ensure team redundancy.
• Query resolution: Manage first- and second-line payroll inquiries from employees, internal teams, and external providers, ensuring strict adherence to established Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
• Regulatory compliance: Ensure absolute compliance across all allocated locations with international, federal, state, and local payroll tax laws.
• Audit support: Lead internal audit preparations and directly respond to regulatory agency inquiries and notices.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of changing global payroll regulations and compliance standards, serving as a regional expert for the organization.
• Continuous improvement: Drive efficiencies in current workflows and contribute to implementing new processes.
• Strategic input: Contribute actionable insights toward team goals, KPIs, operational efficiencies, and the future scaling of the global payroll function.
• Standard operating procedures: Develop and document robust, detailed processes to ensure consistent, high-quality payroll execution as Wise continues to grow.

Qualifications

• A minimum of 3+ years of direct, hands-on experience handling end-to-end in-house payroll (including inputs, validations, corrections, and reconciliations) within a high-growth, product-led, or technology company.
• 3+ years of hands-on experience utilizing Workday Payroll, specifically for running payroll cycles, inputs, data validation, system troubleshooting, internal audits, and supporting implementations or upgrades.
• Proven experience processing complex U.S. multi-state payrolls, with a deep understanding of federal, state, and local tax regulations.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables, data validation, formulas, charts, and large data sets) along with a strong aptitude for mastering new payroll software quickly.
• Demonstrated capability to navigate ambiguity, thrive in fast-paced environments, and independently develop innovative solutions amid shifting priorities.

Nice to have

• Familiarity with international payroll processing outside the U.S., particularly in regions like Mexico, Brazil, Europe, or Canada.
• Prior experience within a fintech, SaaS, or international public tech environment (e.g., NASDAQ-listed companies).
• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) or equivalent payroll certification.
• Education: A university degree in a relevant field such as Accounting, Business Administration, or Human Resources.

Additional Information

• $77-$105k base which is dependent on various factors.
• Find out more about our benefits in our Austin location.

For everyone, everywhere. We're people building money without borders — without judgement or prejudice, too. We believe teams are strongest when they are diverse, equitable and inclusive.

• We're proud to have a truly international team, and we celebrate our differences.
• Inclusive teams help us live our values and make sure every Wiser feels respected, empowered to contribute towards our mission and able to progress in their careers.
• If you want to find out more about what it's like to work at Wise visit Wise.Jobs .
• Keep up to date with life at Wise by following us on LinkedIn and Instagram .