The RoleAppLovin is looking for a driven Payroll Manager to own global payroll operations across the US and key international markets. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives on building compliance frameworks from the ground up, partnering cross-functionally, and making payroll run like infrastructure - accurate, on time, and scalable.
You will be the subject matter expert on payroll tax and statutory compliance across our primary geographies: United States, Singapore, Germany, Ireland, Cyprus, and Italy. You will manage vendor relationships, own the end-to-end payroll cycle, and work closely with Finance, Accounting, and HR/PeopleOps to support month-end close, audit readiness, and equity-related payroll events.
What You'll DoGlobal Payroll Operations- Own end-to-end payroll processing across the US (multi-state) and international entities in SG, DE, IE, CY, and IT - ensuring accuracy and on-time delivery each cycle
- Manage relationships with external payroll vendors and in-country service providers; hold them accountable to SLAs and quality standards
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all payroll-related matters across Finance, Accounting, HR, and Legal
- Handle off-cycle payrolls, manual calculations, retroactive adjustments, and termination runs
Tax & Statutory Compliance- Maintain deep, current knowledge of payroll tax obligations in each covered jurisdiction - federal/state/local in the US and statutory requirements in SG, DE, IE, CY, and IT
- Ensure timely and accurate filing of all payroll tax returns, year-end forms (W-2, P60, IR8A equivalents), and local employer statutory filings
- Monitor legislative and regulatory changes across all jurisdictions; assess impact and implement required changes proactively
- Partner with Tax and Legal on cross-border employment structures, shadow payrolls, and treaty-related matters
- Support external payroll audits, tax authority inquiries, and statutory inspections
Equity & Stock Compensation- Process and reconcile equity-related payroll events including RSU vesting, ESPP purchase cycles, NQ exercises, and ISO exercises
- Ensure proper tax withholding and reporting for stock transactions across all jurisdictions, including applicable FBT, social security, and spread income treatment
Systems & Controls- Monitor integrations and manual business processes between Workday HCM and payroll systems (Workday, Cloudpay, local partners)
- Audit input data, validate outputs, and maintain strong internal controls around payroll authorization and data integrity
- Support month-end close: prepare payroll journal entries, headcount reconciliations, accruals, and benefits reconciliations in coordination with the GL/Accounting team
- Identify and drive process improvements - automate where possible, document where critical, and eliminate manual workarounds
Cross-Functional Partnership- Serve as a trusted resource for HR/PeopleOps on all payroll implications of compensation decisions, new hires, LOAs, and terminations
- Partner with Accounting Ops on payroll-related reconciliations and audit support
- Respond to employee escalations and payroll inquiries promptly and with clarity
What We're Looking For- 6+ years of progressive payroll experience in a multi-country environment; at least 2 years in a lead or manager capacity
- Deep working knowledge of US payroll tax (federal, state, local) - multi-state is required; experience with CA, NY, or WA is a plus
- Direct, hands-on experience processing payroll in at least two of the following: Singapore (CPF, IRAS IR8A), Germany (Lohnsteuer, SV contributions), Ireland (PAYE/PRSI/USC/ASC), Cyprus (PAYE, GHS contributions), or Italy (INPS, IRPEF, busta paga)
- Proficiency with Workday HCM/Payroll or equivalent global processor; strong Excel/Google Sheets skills required
- Track record of managing payroll tax filings, year-end reconciliations, and statutory reporting across multiple jurisdictions simultaneously
- Experience processing equity-related payroll transactions (RSU, ESPP, NQ, ISO) in a public company environment
- Exceptionally detail-oriented with strong reconciliation instincts - you are comfortable building processes to detect errors before they become problems
- Clear, direct communicator who can translate complex payroll mechanics for a non-payroll audience
- Comfortable in a lean, high-velocity environment where you own outcomes end-to-end with limited hand-holding
Nice to Have- APAC payroll experience beyond Singapore (e.g., Japan, South Korea, Australia, or India)
- CPP (Certified Payroll Professional) or equivalent international credential
- Experience supporting payroll for a company that went through rapid international expansion or M&A
- Prior exposure to NetSuite in a payroll accounting context
AppLovin provides a competitive total compensation package with a pay for performance rewards approach. Total compensation at AppLovin is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Depending on the position offered, equity, and other forms of incentive compensation (as applicable) may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to dental, vision, and other benefits.
Health Insurance: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability
Retirement Benefits: 401(k) Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off: Unlimited Discretionary Time Off
Paid Holidays: 10 paid holidays per year
Paid Sick Leave: 80 hours per year
Method of Application: Apply online
Application Window: The application window is expected to close within 30 days of the posting date.
All questions or concerns about this posting should be directed to
[email protected].
USA Base Pay Range: CA, NY, WA States
$121,275-$173,250 USD
USA Base Pay Range: all other States (excludes CA, NY, WA)
$103,084-$147,263 USD
