Location: Dublin, Ireland

 

Summary:

The Global Director of Payroll will lead and oversee the global payroll operations spanning 50 countries. This role is responsible for ensuring timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing across all regions, aligning payroll strategy with corporate objectives, managing global payroll vendors, and leading transformation initiatives to enhance scalability and efficiency. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in global payroll, regulatory compliance, and leadership in complex, high-volume environments.

 

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

Develop and execute a global payroll strategy that supports the company’s growth and compliance needs across approximately 50 countries Partner with Finance, HR, Legal, and Tax teams to align payroll operations with broader corporate goals and objectives

Global Operations Oversight

Oversee payroll processing for all global employees, ensuring timely and accurate disbursement in compliance with local labor laws, regulations, and statutory reporting Oversee payroll-related benefits deductions and retirement plan withholdings across locations, ensuring compliance with local statutory requirements and seamless integration with benefits administration platforms Process and report on equity incentive plans such as RSU’s and ESPP’s, as well as tax withholding and compliance Manage a global team of payroll professionals and third-party providers to deliver consistent, high-quality service Lead payroll integrations related to M&A activity, new country expansion, and system implementations

Compliance & Governance

Ensure compliance with all regulatory, tax, and labor requirements across jurisdictions, including SOX controls, GDPR, and local withholding/taxation rules Own the preparation and oversight of external payroll audits and financial audits and coordinate with internal audit and external auditors

Process Optimization & Technology

Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and best practices in payroll systems and reporting Collaborate with IT and Finance on system upgrades and the deployment of a global payroll platform

Reporting & Financial Integrity

Ensure payroll costs are accurately reported and in collaboration with Finance, reconciled in the general ledger Provide executive leadership with regular payroll metrics, insights, and compliance updates

Team Leadership & Development

Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing, geographically dispersed payroll team Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement Promote cross-functional collaboration with internal stakeholders (HR, Finance, Legal, etc.) to achieve payroll objectives and enhance overall efficiency Demonstrate leadership through a ‘one-team’ mentality and a growth mindset

 

Skills/Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field 15+ years of progressive experience in global payroll leadership roles, with responsibility across multiple countries   Expertise in international payroll compliance, tax, and regulatory environments in all global regions (North America, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC) Demonstrated success in leading large-scale payroll transformations Experience in a publicly traded environment with strong understanding of SOX and internal controls Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills Proficiency in global HCM and ERP platforms (e.g., Workday, Dayforce)

 

About Bentley Systems:

 

Bentley Systems (Nasdaq: BSY) is the infrastructure engineering software company. We provide innovative software to advance the world’s infrastructure – sustaining both the global economy and environment. Our industry-leading software solutions are used by professionals, and organizations of every size, for the design, construction, and operations of roads and bridges, rail and transit, water and wastewater, public works and utilities, buildings and campuses, mining, and industrial facilities. Our offerings, powered by the iTwin Platform for infrastructure digital twins, include MicroStation and Bentley Open applications for modeling and simulation, Seequent’s software for geoprofessionals, and Bentley Infrastructure Cloud encompassing ProjectWise for project delivery, SYNCHRO for construction management, and AssetWise for asset operations. Bentley Systems’ 5,200 colleagues generate annual revenues of more than $1 billion in 194 countries.

www.bentley.com

 

Equal Opportunity Employer:

 

Bentley is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and considers for employment all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender/gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, religion/belief, national origin, caste, age, or any other characteristic protected by local law or unrelated to job qualifications.