About us- Cognex is the largest most successful and recognized global player in industrial machine vision! We are a financially strong international company with no debt and have been in business for over 40 years. Using advanced optics image sensors and artificial intelligence software Cognex vision and ID systems capture an image then analyze it to make sense of whats being are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment guided by our Work Hard Play Hard Move Fast culture which celebrates employee innovation determination and dedication in a dynamic fun and distinctive atmosphere.

We are working on a hybrid schedule 3 days in the office 2 at home.

The Role

Based in Cork Ireland this role will provide strategic leadership for the design transformation and execution of payroll operations across Europe. The position will lead the evaluation and establishment of payroll solutions vendors and processes to drive operational efficiency compliance and scalability.

Additionally the role will oversee the execution of all payroll activities in Europe (24 payroll vendors across 21 countries). The successful candidate will bring deep European payroll expertise combined with a strong focus on technology automation and process optimization and thrives in a fast-paced collaborative environment.

Reporting to the Senior Director Global Total Rewards the role will partner with Employee Services (ES) Europe Finance Accounting and Tax teams to develop and implement streamlined scalable payroll processes. This role presents a unique opportunity to shape and build the long-term roadmap for European payroll strategy and operations.

Furthermore the role will lead a team of payroll analysts responsible for monthly payroll execution vendor management and strategic initiatives focused on automation vendor consolidation and process improvement.

Essential Functions

• Direct and shape the current and long-term strategic vision for the payroll function in Europe; assess current processes and systems; identify best practices in payroll administration and automation including vendor consolidation and payroll transformation opportunities

• Manage payroll team processes and oversight of day-to-day payroll operations to ensure accurate and timely payments to Cognoids required country reporting and payroll tax filing

• Lead and develop the European payroll team providing coaching guidance and professional development

• Manage payroll journals approval to ensure accuracy and compliance while partnering with Finance to support month-end and quarter-end close activities through timely reporting reconciliations and resolution of payroll-related queries

• Act as escalation point for payroll team and provide technical / complex advice and guidance on payroll queries/processes

• Support internal and external finance audits by preparing accurate payroll reports ensuring compliance with statutory requirements maintaining thorough documentation and collaborating with auditors to address queries and implement process improvements

• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge and awareness of prevailing payroll laws and any changes occurring or planned in each of the regional countries ensuring that the Company remains in compliance with statutory requirements

• Ensure timely filings with appropriate government authorities

• Partner with cross-functional groups within the Company including tax operations stock administration and ES teams on equity mobility and new business activities to ensure payroll needs are identified considered and communicated

• Maintain a complete understanding of all wage and hour laws related to payroll including garnishments benefits leave of absence pension and tax reporting for Europe

• Recommend payroll-related policies and optimize standard procedures for payroll processing ensuring strong internal controls and segregation of duties

• Drive payroll automation standardization and process improvement initiatives across Europe

• Work closely with Europe Benefits and Europe Finance teams to guide on taxation laws and payroll implications

• Lead payroll integration for acquisitions new country expansions and organizational changes

• Ensure compliance with SarbanesOxley (SOX) controls by maintaining robust payroll processes supporting control testing documenting key procedures and partnering with internal and external auditors to remediate findings and strengthen control effectiveness

• Oversee payroll vendor relationships performance management and service-level agreements

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Extensive payroll experience across Europe especially Ireland Germany and Hungary

• Passion for the technology side of payroll with demonstrated experience leveraging automation and systems to drive efficiency

• Experience with payroll systems and system implementations such as iiPay ADP SAP UKG and Workday is desirable

• Solid project management skills in process improvement and implementation projects

• Strong leader with ability to coach and develop team members

• Ability to manage external vendors effectively

• Keen instincts for solving complex issues using strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills

• Strong process orientation numerical aptitude and attention to detail

• Able to adapt to rapidly changing environment and enjoy working in a fast-paced culture

• Ability to use own initiative and prioritize effectively

• Excellent interpersonal communication and presentation skills

• Commercial awareness and understanding of business & financial concepts

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional payroll certification (IPASS CIPP or equivalent) preferred

• Experience managing payroll across multiple European jurisdictions

• Experience leading payroll system implementations or transformations

Additional Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading multi-country European payroll operations

• Experience driving payroll transformation or vendor consolidation initiatives

• Experience working in a global technology or publicly traded company

• Experience with payroll automation and process optimization

• Strong stakeholder management experience across Finance HR Tax and Legal

Minimum education and work experience required

• Minimum 10 years of European payroll experience is highly desirable including experience working at a US-listed global technology company

• Minimum 5 years of people management experience

• Bachelors Degree in Accounting Business or equivalent is desired

• Fluency in another European language (German in particular) is a plus