Senior Manager, International Payroll, KAYAK

KAYAK

Location:
Germany, Berlin

Category:
Finance

Contract Type:
Employment contract

Salary:

Not provided

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Job Description:

As a Senior Manager, International Payroll at KAYAK, you will lead the payroll operations team to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing across multiple international jurisdictions. You will improve payroll systems, key integrations and processes, and partner cross-functionally to deliver best-in-class payroll services. This role requires a focus on compliance, scalability, and operational efficiency. The position involves managing a payroll team, implementing best practices, and driving process improvement initiatives.

Job Responsibility:

Lead end-to-end payroll processing for multiple entities in the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, Ireland, France, Lithuania, Australia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, and Singapore
ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with local laws and regulations
Manage, develop and lead a successful payroll team, fostering professional growth, collaboration, and accountability
Develop and implement payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls to reduce risk and improve operational efficiency
Analyze payroll data and prepare detailed reports and dashboards for senior leadership to inform strategic decisions
Partner with HR, Accounting, Benefits, Compensation and Legal teams on payroll-related matters including benefits integration, tax reporting, audits, and system upgrades
Oversee complex payroll projects, including system implementations, integrations, and process automation
Drive integrations between payroll and HRIS/time/equity systems
Proactively identify areas of process improvement within payroll operations and implement solutions to automate and streamline processes to scale and drive efficiencies while maintaining strong quality controls
Ensure compliance with tax authorities and regulatory agencies
manage audits and resolve any discrepancies or issues
Stay abreast of legislative changes impacting payroll and proactively update policies and processes
Lead continuous improvement initiatives to optimize payroll operations and enhance employee satisfaction

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or related field
CPA or CPP certification preferred
10+ years of progressive payroll experience, including 3+ years managing payroll teams in a complex, multi-state, or global environment
Deep knowledge of payroll regulations, payroll tax filings, compliance requirements, automated payroll processes, and best practices
Strong expertise with payroll systems (e.g., Workday, ADP, Cloudpay, Netsuite, or similar)
Experience leading payroll system implementations is highly desirable
Proven leadership skills with experience coaching, developing, and managing teams
Exceptional project management abilities, capable of driving complex initiatives to completion on time and within budget
Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret payroll data and communicate insights effectively
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build strong relationships with cross-functional partners and external vendors
Detail-oriented, highly organized, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
Experience in a high-growth technology or e-commerce company environment
Continuous improvement mindset with experience using process improvement methodologies

Nice to have:

CPA or CPP certification preferred
Experience leading payroll system implementations is highly desirable
Experience in a high-growth technology or e-commerce company environment
Continuous improvement mindset with experience using process improvement methodologies

What we offer:

6 weeks of paid vacation + time off for your birthday
Work from (almost) anywhere for up to 20 days per year
Company-paid therapy sessions through SpringHealth
Company-paid subscription to HeadSpace
Company-wide week off a year - the whole team fully recharges
No meeting Fridays
Paid parental leave
Paid volunteer time
Development Dollars
Leadership development
Access to thousands of on-demand e-learnings
Travel Discounts
Employee Resource Groups
Free lunch 2 days per week
Pension plan contributions
Public transportation subsidies
Bike leasing program
Monthly social events, massages, Thursday happy hours, sports teams
An awesome office in Friedrichshain, Berlin

Additional Information:

Job Posted:
September 10, 2025

Employment Type:

Fulltime

Work Type:

On-site work

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Senior Manager, International Payroll