Payroll Manager

Overview

Cognex Corporation, a leading global player in industrial machine vision with a strong financial standing and over 40 years of industry expertise, seeks a Payroll Manager based in Cork, Ireland. The company embraces an inclusive culture centered on innovation and dedication, following a hybrid work setup with three days at the office and two days remote.

Role Summary

The Payroll Manager will oversee all payroll operations across Europe, focusing on delivering precise and timely payments to employees and ensuring compliance with local legislation. This role requires collaboration with multiple departments, including Employee Services, Finance, Accounting, and Tax teams, to simplify and improve payroll processes. The position also involves leading payroll-related projects emphasizing automation and procedural enhancements.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily payroll operations to guarantee accurate employee compensation, regulatory reporting, and payroll tax filing across European countries.
• Offer expert advice regarding complex payroll issues and procedures.
• Stay informed about current and upcoming payroll laws and regulations in relevant European regions, ensuring compliance.
• Ensure punctual submission of reports to government bodies.
• Collaborate with internal groups on matters related to tax, stock plans, employee mobility, and new business ventures to address payroll requirements.
• Maintain knowledge of wage and hour legislation, including garnishments, benefits, leave policies, pensions, and tax reporting throughout Europe.
• Recommend payroll policies and streamline payroll workflows, enforcing strong internal controls and segregation of duties.
• Coordinate with internal and external auditors on payroll audits and compliance checks as needed.
• Work closely with Benefits and Finance teams in Europe to advise on taxation and payroll matters, and lead payroll implementations for company acquisitions or expansions into new markets.
• Drive payroll system transition projects, specifically to the iiPay platform by Vistra.

Required Skills and Experience

• Comprehensive payroll experience across Europe, notably in Ireland, Germany, and Hungary.
• Expertise in payroll systems and implementations, preferably with platforms like ADP, SAP, UKG, or Workday.
• Strong project management capabilities for process optimization and execution.
• Proven ability to manage third-party vendors efficiently.
• Excellent analytical and creative problem-solving skills to navigate complex challenges.
• A meticulous focus on process accuracy, numerical data, and detail orientation.
• Capacity to thrive in a rapidly evolving and dynamic work environment.
• Self-motivated with effective prioritization abilities.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal, and presentation proficiencies.
• Commercial acumen with a sound understanding of business and financial principles.

Educational Background and Other Qualifications

• At least 8 years of payroll experience within Europe, ideally including tenure at a US-listed global technology firm.
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, or a related discipline preferred.
• Fluency in additional European languages, especially German, is advantageous.

Additional Information

The included responsibilities and qualifications provide a general outline of the position’s expectations and are not exhaustive.