What are the responsibilities and job description for the Payroll Tax Risk and Controls Manager position at Strada?
Join us on a journey of endless possibilities
At Strada, possibility isn’t just a promise – it’s the foundation of everything we do. We believe in unlocking potential for every colleague, creating a journey of growth, discovery, and impact.
With the support, resources, and opportunities we provide, you’ll build a fulfilling future – working on meaningful projects that span industries and regions, contributing to outcomes that matter.
Strada is a people, payroll, and technology leader simplifying international workforce management. Operating in 180 countries, we design and deliver people-first solutions powered by cloud-based technology – helping organizations grow and enabling workforces to perform at their best.
Learn more at www.stradaglobal.com
To learn more about us, visit stradaglobal.com
Payroll Tax Risk and Controls Manager
Position Summary
The Payroll Tax Risk and Controls Manager is responsible for building, implementing, and overseeing operational controls across the Payroll Tax Filing organization. This role will lead internal audits, risk assessments, control testing, and compliance initiatives to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll tax operations for clients.
This individual will create scalable control frameworks, identify operational gaps, monitor high-risk processes, and partner with leadership teams to improve service quality, reduce client risk, and strengthen accountability across teams. The role will also support SOC compliance initiatives, audit readiness, process governance, and continuous improvement efforts.
The ideal candidate has experience in payroll tax operations, internal audit, risk management, compliance, or operational controls within a payroll, tax, finance, or professional services environment.
Key Responsibilities
At Strada, we support your whole self—offering a range of benefits for your health, wellbeing, finances, and future. These include health coverage, wellbeing programs, paid leave (vacation, sick, parental), retirement plans, learning opportunities, and more.
All offers are contingent on successful completion of background checks, where permitted by law and as appropriate for the role. These may include identity, education, employment, and in some cases, criminal history verification, checks against global watchlists, credit reports, and/or drug testing. You’ll be informed of the specific checks applicable to your role and location during the recruitment process.
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Strada is dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that embracing differences strengthens our teams and drives innovation and success.
Diversity Policy Statement
Strada is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination based on legally protected characteristics. Applicants may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting their recruiter.
Authorization to work in the Employing Country
To be considered, you must have current and future work authorization in the country where you're applying, without the need for visa sponsorship by Strada.
Please note: This job description does not limit Strada’s right to assign or reassign responsibilities, including to subsidiaries, partners, or future business purchasers.
We offer you a competitive total rewards package, continuing education & training, and tremendous potential with a growing worldwide organization.
Salary Pay Range
Minimum - Maximum
$85,190.00 - $158,210.00
Pay Transparency Statement: Strada considers a variety of factors in determining whether to extend an offer of employment and in setting the appropriate compensation level, including, but not limited to, a candidate’s experience, education, certification/credentials, market data, internal equity, and geography. Strada makes these decisions on an individualized, non-discriminatory basis. Bonus and/or incentive eligibility are determined by role and level.
Disclaimer
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job to other entities; including but not limited to subsidiaries, partners, or purchasers of Strada business units.
Strada provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, veteran, marital, parental, citizenship, or domestic partner status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state or local law. Strada is committed to a diverse workforce and is an affirmative action employer.
At Strada, possibility isn’t just a promise – it’s the foundation of everything we do. We believe in unlocking potential for every colleague, creating a journey of growth, discovery, and impact.
With the support, resources, and opportunities we provide, you’ll build a fulfilling future – working on meaningful projects that span industries and regions, contributing to outcomes that matter.
Strada is a people, payroll, and technology leader simplifying international workforce management. Operating in 180 countries, we design and deliver people-first solutions powered by cloud-based technology – helping organizations grow and enabling workforces to perform at their best.
Learn more at www.stradaglobal.com
To learn more about us, visit stradaglobal.com
Payroll Tax Risk and Controls Manager
Position Summary
The Payroll Tax Risk and Controls Manager is responsible for building, implementing, and overseeing operational controls across the Payroll Tax Filing organization. This role will lead internal audits, risk assessments, control testing, and compliance initiatives to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll tax operations for clients.
This individual will create scalable control frameworks, identify operational gaps, monitor high-risk processes, and partner with leadership teams to improve service quality, reduce client risk, and strengthen accountability across teams. The role will also support SOC compliance initiatives, audit readiness, process governance, and continuous improvement efforts.
The ideal candidate has experience in payroll tax operations, internal audit, risk management, compliance, or operational controls within a payroll, tax, finance, or professional services environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and implement a comprehensive controls framework for Payroll Tax Filing operations
- Establish control standards, audit procedures, and monitoring processes across teams
- Conduct internal operational audits to identify gaps, risks, and process failures
- Perform recurring control testing to ensure procedures are operating effectively
- Develop risk mitigation plans and partner with operational leaders on corrective actions
- Monitor high-risk client accounts and operational trends to identify recurring issues
- Support SOC audit activities, documentation, evidence gathering, and remediation tracking
- Create reporting dashboards and metrics related to compliance, audit findings, operational health, and control effectiveness
- Review workflows and identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and process improvement
- Ensure teams are following documented procedures, escalation protocols, and compliance requirements
- Partner with leadership to establish governance standards and accountability measures
- Lead root cause analysis efforts for operational failures, missed filings, notices, penalties, or client escalations
- Develop and maintain process documentation, control narratives, and standard operating procedures
- Provide recommendations to improve operational accuracy, client satisfaction, and service delivery consistency
- Collaborate cross-functionally with payroll, tax filing, compliance, implementation, client services, and technology teams
- 5 years of experience in payroll tax filing, payroll operations, compliance, audit, risk management, or operational controls
- Experience creating or managing internal controls frameworks in a service-based or operational environment
- Strong understanding of payroll tax filing processes, tax notices, amendments, agency compliance, and operational workflows
- Experience conducting audits, control testing, process reviews, or compliance assessments
- Knowledge of SOC controls, operational risk management, or governance frameworks
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends and operational risks
- Experience managing remediation efforts and driving process improvements
- Ability to work across multiple teams and influence operational change
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Advanced Excel and reporting skills preferred
- Experience working in high-volume, deadline-driven operational environments
- Experience within payroll services, HCM, tax filing, or professional services organizations
- Experience supporting SOC 1 or SOC 2 audits
- Familiarity with process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement frameworks
- Experience with operational KPI reporting and service delivery metrics
- Experience working with enterprise payroll platforms and tax filing systems
- Prior experience in a consulting or advisory environment is a plus
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- CPA preferred but not required
- Six Sigma certification preferred
- Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional (CRCMP)
- Reduction in missed filings, penalties, and client escalations
- Improved operational consistency across teams
- Stronger audit readiness and compliance documentation
- Increased visibility into operational risks and service gaps
- Measurable improvement in client health and operational KPIs
- Sustainable controls framework implemented across Payroll Tax Filing operations
- Anticipate Customer Needs – We stay ahead of trends so our customers can grow and succeed.
- Own the Outcome – We take responsibility for delivering excellence and ensuring things get done right.
- Challenge Ourselves to Work Smarter – We move faster than the world around us to drive change and accomplish more.
- Empower Each Other to Solve Problems – We tackle challenges head on, ask tough questions, and collaborate to find the best solutions.
- Care About Our Work and Our People – We understand that what we do impacts millions, and we have a responsibility to get it right.
At Strada, we support your whole self—offering a range of benefits for your health, wellbeing, finances, and future. These include health coverage, wellbeing programs, paid leave (vacation, sick, parental), retirement plans, learning opportunities, and more.
All offers are contingent on successful completion of background checks, where permitted by law and as appropriate for the role. These may include identity, education, employment, and in some cases, criminal history verification, checks against global watchlists, credit reports, and/or drug testing. You’ll be informed of the specific checks applicable to your role and location during the recruitment process.
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Strada is dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that embracing differences strengthens our teams and drives innovation and success.
Diversity Policy Statement
Strada is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination based on legally protected characteristics. Applicants may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting their recruiter.
Authorization to work in the Employing Country
To be considered, you must have current and future work authorization in the country where you're applying, without the need for visa sponsorship by Strada.
Please note: This job description does not limit Strada’s right to assign or reassign responsibilities, including to subsidiaries, partners, or future business purchasers.
We offer you a competitive total rewards package, continuing education & training, and tremendous potential with a growing worldwide organization.
Salary Pay Range
Minimum - Maximum
$85,190.00 - $158,210.00
Pay Transparency Statement: Strada considers a variety of factors in determining whether to extend an offer of employment and in setting the appropriate compensation level, including, but not limited to, a candidate’s experience, education, certification/credentials, market data, internal equity, and geography. Strada makes these decisions on an individualized, non-discriminatory basis. Bonus and/or incentive eligibility are determined by role and level.
Disclaimer
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job to other entities; including but not limited to subsidiaries, partners, or purchasers of Strada business units.
Strada provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, veteran, marital, parental, citizenship, or domestic partner status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state or local law. Strada is committed to a diverse workforce and is an affirmative action employer.
Salary : $85,190 - $158,210