What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Payroll Manager position at ZIM Integrated Shipping Services?
Main Purpose of the Role:
The Senior Manager of Payroll is responsible for the strategic oversight, governance, and operational excellence of payroll function across the Americas region. This role ensures accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing while driving standardization, automation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
The incumbent partners closely with local, region, and global HR, as well as external vendors, to deliver best-in-class payroll services, optimize processes, and ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
On a backup basis, the role directly oversees all activities necessary to process US-based payroll, including maintaining related records, processing involuntary deductions such as levies and garnishments, preparing accounting transaction documents, filing tax reports, documenting and updating procedures, preparing special reports for management, and interacting with vendors to ensure data file and migration integrity.
Main Tasks:
- Develop and execute the regional payroll strategy aligned with global payroll and business objectives
- Lead payroll transformation initiatives, including system implementations, process optimization, and automation
- Establish and maintain scalable payroll processes to support business growth and complexity
- Oversee end-to-end payroll processing across multiple countries, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Manage payroll calendars and controls
- Drive standard operating procedures and consistency across the region
- Share and implement best practices across the region
- Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local payroll regulations
- Maintain robust internal controls, audit readiness, and compliance
- Oversee payroll audits and respond to regulatory inquiries
- Lead the implementation and optimization of payroll systems
- Ensure data integrity and seamless integration between payroll & HRIS systems
- Leverage technology to improve efficiency, reporting, and employee experience
- Manage relationships with external payroll providers and service partners
- Assist in negotiating contracts, monitor SLAs, and ensure service quality and cost effectiveness
- Oversee ZIMTAMS attendance tracking system data updating and reporting
- Partner with IT team on system enhancements and optimization
Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
- High Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook
- Over 5 years’ experience payroll processing in ADP