Global Director of Payroll
Reed Smith is a dynamic international law firm dedicated to helping clients move their businesses forward. With an inclusive culture and innovative mindset, we deliver smarter, more creative legal services that drive better outcomes for our clients. Our deep industry knowledge, long-standing relationships and collaborative structure make us the go-to partner for complex disputes, transactions and regulatory matters. Our team of 3,000 people (including more than 1,600 lawyers) across more than 30 offices in the United States, Europe, the Middle East and Asia, operate as one global partnership to drive progress for our clients, for ourselves and for our communities. Position Summary The Global Director of Payroll is responsible for overseeing the Firm’s global payroll operations, including the United States and EMEA/APAC regions, ensuring accurate and legally compliant payroll processing across multiple jurisdictions through centralized governance, standardized controls, and partnership with regional teams and external providers. This role leads the payroll function and team, manages payroll tax and wage and hour compliance, drives process improvements, and partners closely 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. The Director directly supervises the Senior Payroll Manager(s) and provides overall leadership and direction to the full global payroll team. Job Duties and Responsibilities Manages the Firm’s payroll function and global payroll governance, establishing consistent policies, controls, documentation standards, and escalation protocols across U.S. and EMEA/APAC payroll operations. Provides oversight of payroll operations across U.S. and EMEA/APAC offices for attorneys, staff, and partners, including monthly, bi-weekly, and periodic distributions related to the financial responsibility program, ensuring compliance with local labor, tax, and social security regulations through collaboration with regional stakeholders and legal and tax advisors. Ensures all payrolls are processed accurately, timely, and in compliance with applicable U.S. federal, state, and local laws, as well as relevant international and EMEA/APAC regulatory requirements Leads the development and execution of a global payroll process, ensuring alignment with Firm policies, financial controls, IRS and FLSA requirements and regional regulatory requirements. Defines, monitors, and reports on global payroll performance metrics including accuracy, timeliness, compliance, and vendor performance. Monitors global payroll compliance risks and leads remediation efforts as needed in coordination with regional HR, Accounting & Finance, and external partners. Ensures payroll calculations, including overtime, bonuses, garnishments, commissions, benefit deductions, and paid leave are accurate. Directs payroll tax compliance activities, including accurate withholding, timely filings, quarterly/annual reporting (e.g., W-2, W-3, 941, 940), and reconciliation. Serves as the Firm’s primary liaison with payroll tax authorities, addressing inquiries, audits, and resolving disputes. Ensures integration and data accuracy across global payroll systems including the Firm’s payroll vendor, HRIS system, time/attendance/LOA platforms, and regional third-party vendors, supporting multi-country reporting, controls, and scalability. Oversees relationships with the Firm’s payroll vendors, ensuring service delivery, compliance, data integrity, and adherence to contractual obligations. Establishes and maintains payroll-related internal controls, policies, and standard operating procedures to promote accuracy, consistency, and compliance. Collaborates with global Human Resources, Legal and tax advisors, Benefits, Accounting & Finance, and regional HR and Accounting & Finance leaders to ensure alignment on compensation policies, GL entries, benefits processing, and reporting. Partners with the Global Controller on payroll-related financial reporting and month-end close, including coordination of U.S. and EMEA/APAC payroll data and reconciliations. Leads system upgrades and process improvement initiatives to optimize payroll efficiency, automation, and transparency, and is the Firm’s subject matter expert on available payroll technology/solutions. Conducts periodic audits of payroll and tax processes and leads remediation efforts as needed. Supports escalated employee and partner payroll inquiries with professionalism and discretion. Coaches and develops payroll team leadership, including ensuring that payroll staff receive regular training on updates in legal and tax changes and requirements, fostering a culture of service, accountability, and continuous improvement across regions. Supports payroll integration for new office openings and jurisdictional expansions. Leads or contributes to special projects or initiatives assigned by the Global Controller, CFO, or Chief Human Resources Officer. 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 is preferred. Experience: 10 years of progressive payroll experience, including leadership of a payroll function within a complex, multi-state and multi-country environment. Experience in a professional service firm environment and/or partnership is considered a plus. Experience overseeing or supporting international payroll operations, preferably across EMEA/APAC or similar regions. Experience managing external payroll providers and navigating multi-jurisdictional compliance requirements. Skills: Deep knowledge of payroll laws and regulations, with an understanding of global payroll governance and risk management principles. Proven ability to lead teams, manage compliance, and implement process and system improvements. Strong analytical and interpersonal skills. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with Ceridian and/or Workday (or similar payroll/HRIS systems). High level of attention to detail and ability to manage sensitive information with discretion. Ability to lead cross-border initiatives and collaborate effectively with international stakeholders. Strong understanding of global 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 and other office equipment such as telephone, calculator, fax, machine, copier, scanner, etc. Essential Job Functions: Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged and/or extensive computer use. Use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools to perform core job responsibilities. Ability to communicate effectively. In-office work as required to meet business or project needs. Travel for meetings and training as required. Ability to work extended hours as required to meet project, client, or business needs. Ability to concentrate for extended periods, apply critical thinking to assigned tasks, and take appropriate action in a fast-paced environment. Flexibility to adjust working hours, including early start times, to support collaboration with international stakeholders in EMEA/APAC. 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 but not limited to 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.
