Global Process Lead Payroll (Manager)

Unclassified - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Chicago, IL

About the position

Morningstar is seeking a Global Process Lead - Payroll to join our global Finance team, which is dedicated to business partnership, innovation, automation, and process improvement. In this role, you will be instrumental in developing and executing the governance and functional strategy for Morningstar's global payroll processes. Your contributions will be vital in supporting and managing key payroll system implementations, as well as driving process optimization and transformation programs. This position requires a strong analytical mindset and process improvement skills to identify and capitalize on opportunities that enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of our global payroll operations. As the Global Process Lead - Payroll, you will serve as a subject matter expert for global payroll processes and system implementation. You will assist the Head of Global Payroll in delivering the overall payroll strategy and transformational roadmap. Your responsibilities will include executing the deployment and adoption of a global/regional payroll model, ensuring that processes are standardized while allowing for local customization as necessary. You will oversee end-to-end global payroll processes, ensuring consistency across regions and driving automation and optimization initiatives. In addition, you will help manage the implementation of the UKG system over the next two years, focusing on continuous process optimization and other payroll-related projects that require collaboration with global process owners. You will collaborate with key stakeholders across various functions to align and leverage cross-process opportunities, enhancing overall effectiveness and efficiency. Your role will also involve participating as a key stakeholder in payroll governance committees, demonstrating strong business acumen and financial judgment in prioritizing payroll projects and transformation opportunities. This is a full-time position that can be based in one of Morningstar's offices located in Chicago, London, or Madrid. You will be expected to work in a hybrid environment, balancing remote work with in-person collaboration at least three days a week.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a subject matter expert for the global payroll processes and system implementation.
• Assist the Head of Global Payroll in delivering the overall payroll strategy and transformational roadmap.
• Execute the deployment and adoption of a global/regional payroll model, related systems and processes with local customization as needed.
• Implement and oversee end-to-end global payroll processes, ensuring standardization across regions.
• Identify and drive the use of automation and optimization of payroll processes.
• Help manage the current UKG system implementation over the next two years in a phased approach.
• Focus on continuous process optimization and other payroll-related projects post-implementation.
• Collaborate with key functions/stakeholders on all transformation initiatives to align and leverage cross-process opportunities.
• Participate as a key stakeholder in payroll governance committees.
• Demonstrate strong business acumen and excellent financial judgment in developing prioritization of payroll projects.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree and a payroll qualification preferred (e.g. Certified Payroll Accountant or equivalent).
• Minimum of 7+ years progressive payroll and process related experience operating within a multinational organization (North America, EMEA and APAC).
• Experience with payroll process standardization and system implementation is required.
• Strong functional knowledge of core end-to-end global payroll processes and procedures.
• Good knowledge of US payroll required, coupled with Canada, EMEA and APAC payroll knowledge preferred.
• Experience with integration of new/acquired companies into acquiror payroll processes will be an asset.
• Workday (HRIS) and UKG, ADP payroll product suite advanced knowledge will be an asset.
• Ability to assess and articulate business requirements, analyze design options, coordinate testing and drive implementation.
• Possess strong leadership, program, and change management skills to support payroll transformation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex information clearly to all levels of the organization.
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail, with the ability to work under pressure and adhere to project deadlines.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience with six sigma/lean/process excellence tools, training and/or certification will be an asset.
• Experience with setting up or implementing a global/regional payroll aggregator will be an asset.
• Motivated to stretch goals, forward thinking, challenge the status quo, and a desire to look for continuous improvement is preferred.
• Ability to take initiative, work independently and have mature judgment.
• Ability to be flexible with your work schedule as this position requires working with global teams in North America, EMEA and APAC time zones.

Benefits

• Hybrid work environment allowing for remote work and in-person collaboration.
• Tools and resources to engage meaningfully with global colleagues.
• A range of benefits to enhance flexibility as needs change.