Company Description

Work with Us. Change the World.

At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world's most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.

There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

Job Description

The Payroll Accounting Manager oversees the end-to-end payroll process to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery across assigned countries or business units. This role leads a team of payroll technical leads, process leads, and senior specialists, providing mentorship, strategic direction, and guidance on payroll operations and controls. Serving as the primary point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, the Payroll Manager ensures compliance with statutory requirements, company policies, SOX controls, and audit standards, while driving process improvements, operational excellence, and strong governance across the payroll function.

Responsibilities & Duties:

Lead and coordinate payroll accounting activities across technical leads, process leads, and senior specialists.
Provide leadership and direction to the payroll accounting team, setting expectations, guiding priorities, and supporting professional development.
Oversee the preparation, review, and approval of payroll journals, accruals, and reconciliations.
Ensure compliance with internal controls, SOX requirements, company policies, and statutory reporting standards.
Review and approve reconciliations, ensuring completeness, proper documentation, and timely remediation of issues.
Serve as the main contact for internal and external audits and ensure audit requests and findings are addressed.
Manage relationships with key stakeholders across Payroll Operations, HR, Finance, and other business units to resolve discrepancies, align priorities, and drive process improvements.
Monitor performance against SLAs and address risks that may impact delivery.
Lead remediation initiatives and conduct learning sessions to strengthen GBS knowledge of payroll processes and controls.
Provide guidance and act as the escalation point for complex payroll accounting matters.
Prepare and present payroll accounting reports, variance analyses, and key insights.
Ensure back-up coverage, resource planning, and business continuity within the payroll accounting team.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Accountancy, Finance, or a related field.
Minimum of 79 years of accounting experience, with at least +5 years in payroll accounting and leadership roles.
Strong understanding of end-to-end payroll accounting processes, including accruals, reconciliations, and variance analysis.
Experience with payroll systems such as Workday, ADP, Oracle, or SAP.
CPA qualification preferred but not required.
Familiarity with Blackline or similar reconciliation tools is an advantage.
Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage teams, set priorities, and drive results.
Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to collaborate across HR, Finance, Payroll Operations, and other business units.
Excellent analytical, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under pressure in a dynamic environment

Additional Information

About AECOM

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, and service recognition awards.

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com.

What makes AECOM a great place to work

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you'll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you've always envisioned. Here, you'll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and communitywhere you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

ReqID: J10142875

Business Line: Geography OH

Business Group: DCS

Strategic Business Unit: GBS

Career Area: Finance

Work Location Model: Hybrid

Compensation Benefits and Payroll Manager

Payroll Implementation Project Manager

R2R Manager - Payroll Accounting International