Senior Payroll Leader New York, NY OR Greenwich CT | Hybrid (2-3 days onsite)
Total Compensation: $350,000 - $400,000
Oakleaf Partnership is partnering on a highly confidential search for a Senior Payroll Leader to join a prestigious global financial services organization.
This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for an experienced payroll professional to take ownership of a complex, multi-jurisdiction payroll function within a fast-paced, highly controlled environment. The role offers significant visibility across senior leadership and the opportunity to partner closely with HR, Finance, Legal, Compensation, Benefits, and Global Mobility teams.
The Opportunity
This individual will lead the payroll function across the US, broader Americas region, and expatriate population, ensuring seamless payroll delivery, robust controls, and best-in-class compliance standards.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to step into a strategically important leadership role within a sophisticated financial services environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the end-to-end delivery of payroll operations across the US, Americas, and expatriate employee populations
Oversee payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, compliance, and strong governance
Act as the internal subject matter expert for payroll tax, regulatory compliance, and risk management
Partner with Compensation, Benefits, Finance, Legal, and Global Mobility teams on complex payroll matters
Manage deferred compensation, executive compensation-related payroll impacts, taxable benefits, relocation/mobility matters, and other specialized payroll components
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing payroll team
Drive process improvement, controls enhancement, automation, and operational efficiencies
Manage vendor relationships and ensure best-in-class payroll service delivery
Support audits, reporting requirements, and regulatory compliance initiatives
Ideal Background
12+ years of progressive payroll leadership experience within complex organizations
Strong financial services experience is highly preferred (asset management, hedge funds, private equity, investment banking, trading environments strongly considered)
Deep expertise across US payroll tax, multi-state payroll compliance, expatriate payroll, and regulatory governance
Experience operating in fast-paced, detail-oriented, highly controlled environments
Strong familiarity with complex compensation structures including deferred compensation, bonuses, equity, and executive payroll considerations
Experience leading teams and partnering with senior stakeholders across multiple business functions
Exposure to Workday payroll or comparable enterprise payroll systems preferred
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Highly competitive compensation package
Hybrid working model (2-3 days onsite in New York)
Opportunity to join a highly respected global financial services platform
Significant scope, visibility, and long-term growth potential
High-calibre stakeholder exposure in a sophisticated environment
