Global Payroll requires the right organizational structure and governance. But what are the pros, cons, considerations, and best practices needed to ensure success?

Those parameters were discussed today during the “Global Payroll Structure & Governance” workshop, hosted by Robert Gerbin, CPP, Senior Director of Global Strategic Initiatives for PayrollOrg, and renown global payroll consultant Max Van Der Klis-Busink, MCIPP, RPP.

Some of the key takeaways included the following:

  • How to define global payroll
  • How to build a global payroll policy that matches organizational strategy
  • How to gauge the significance of cultural awareness in global payroll and the workforce

One of the guiding principles essential to a successful global payroll team is sound leadership.

“To be an effective global payroll leader, the number one skill is business acumen and number two is payroll knowledge,” said Gerbin.

Both Gerbin and Van Der Klis-Busink discussed the risk of alienating the workforce in different regions, adding that empowering employees with cross-training opportunities and special projects builds trust in a global payroll policy that is not only read and understood, but also implemented.

But a key theme from the audience was how cultural awareness is vital to building trust in a globally distributed workforce, and to never assume that a policy is received in the same way in every region.

Van Der Klis-Busink then discussed the must-have policies with a payroll function, 10 elements needed to build them and tips how for you ensure an accurate, compliant and timely payroll.

“This session gave the audience key, actionable takeaways that they can use at work on Monday,” said Troy Markuson, JLL’s Head of Global Payroll.

To end the session, attendees learned that documenting your organization’s payroll data and taking the time to map the payroll capabilities of your team can enable you to successfully create a global payroll policy that drives the minimum standard across every region.

“Max and Robert made a very complex topic approachable and easy to understand,” said Kira Rubiano, Partner with Payrollminds.

Luke Stockbridge is a global payroll consultant with JGA Recruitment