Global Payroll & Compliance Specialist

Job Description

Global payroll experience is a key requirement; please ensure it is clearly reflected in your application.

At BT International, our purpose is to keep the world connected. As part of BT, we build on almost 180 years of innovation and expertise to deliver secure connectivity and digital services to some of the world’s leading multinational businesses and organisations. Our customers trust us to safeguard their data, drive their digital transformation and keep their businesses running.

With colleagues on the ground across the world and supporting customers wherever they need to operate, BT International offers a truly global experience. Whether it’s about providing cloud connectivity, helping organisations collaborate, or enabling innovation in cybersecurity and digital services, you’ll be part of a team that shapes how businesses succeed in a world that is being transformed by AI.

If you have the drive and ambition to make an impact on a global stage, BT International is where it happens.

We value diversity and inclusion and believe in making a positive impact. We connect for good by championing digital inclusion and equipping people, businesses, and communities with the digital skills needed to thrive.

As a member of our team, you will be part of an organisation that celebrates differences, fosters innovation, and provides opportunities for you to be your best.

Why this job matters

This role is accountable for driving a future-proofed, compliant, and effective payroll model across multiple countries, leveraging different suppliers and platforms.

The role also leads on risk management and controls across People and Culture Operations.

Success will be measured across the global payroll estate, focusing on continuous improvement, transformation of ways of working, and delivery of a quality and consistent employee experience. This is achieved while ensuring local legislative compliance, alignment with BT Group standards, and HR best practices.

What you’ll be doing – your accountabilities

• Global Payroll Oversight – Oversee payroll processing and operations, ensuring standards are upheld and opportunities for process and service improvements are identified and implemented.
• Compliance – Support audits, implement controls to mitigate compliance risks, and ensure adherence to local labour laws, tax regulations, and statutory requirements by payroll processors and providers.
• Governance Reporting – Own and maintain comprehensive governance documentation for global payroll operations (e.g., stakeholder maps, supplier details, process maps).
• Standardisation – Maintain global payroll documentation and process maps; drive standardisation of payroll processes across countries and regions.
• Reporting & Analytics – Coordinate with payroll processors, generate payroll reports for internal and external use, provide data for financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. Report key findings to the SMT.
• Issues & Risks – Act as the escalation point for payroll issues and discrepancies; investigate and resolve errors and delays collaboratively. Maintain reporting on key issues, risks, and mitigation plans. Provide updates to SMT and secure senior support when needed.
• Project Management – Lead global payroll projects, including process improvements and system/vendor transitions. Own reporting to SMT on project progress.
• Strategic Planning – Ensure the global payroll model aligns with BT International’s strategic pillars and footprint.

Skills required for the job

• Stakeholder Management – Build and maintain proactive relationships with global payroll providers, ensuring SLA and KPI compliance and managing contract renewals/extensions.
• Leadership – Strong communication skills, commercial acumen, and ability to coach and develop the wider team.
• Payroll Expertise – Solid knowledge of payroll processes and administration, including global trends and regional variations.
• Storytelling with Data – Ability to build compelling cases for change using data and analytics, and communicate effectively to business audiences.
• Business Acumen – Understanding of business strategy and its intersection with people strategy.
• Language – Fluent in English.
• Technical Knowledge – In-depth knowledge of various payroll systems and processes; advanced proficiency in Microsoft products.

Additional Allowances & Benefits

• Bonus
• Company car or car allowance
• Health Insurance
• Cafeteria
• Smart working allowance

A few points to note

Although these roles are listed as full-time, if you’re a job share partnership, work reduced hours, or any other way of working flexibly, please still get in touch.

Please note that as part of our recruitment process, we conduct background checks, which include verification of the highest educational qualification. Additionally, for certain positions, a certificate of good conduct may be requested following a successful application.

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Studies have shown that women and people who are disabled, LGBTQ+, neurodiverse or from ethnic minority backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification and criteria. We're committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can be their best. So, if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement in the Job Description, please apply anyway – you may just be the right candidate for this or other roles in our wider team.