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 what’s being seen. We 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 Sarbanes–Oxley (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
Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Business or equivalent is desired
Fluency in another European language (German in particular) is a plus
