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At Strada, possibility isn’t just a promise – it’s the foundation of everything we do. We believe in unlocking potential for every colleague, creating a journey of growth, discovery, and impact.
With the support, resources, and opportunities we provide, you’ll build a fulfilling future – working on meaningful projects that span industries and regions, contributing to outcomes that matter.
Strada is a people, payroll, and technology leader simplifying international workforce management. Operating in 180+ countries, we design and deliver people-first solutions powered by cloud-based technology – helping organizations grow and enabling workforces to perform at their best.
Learn more at www.stradaglobal.com
To learn more about us, visit stradaglobal.com
Payroll Tax Risk and Controls Manager
Position Summary
The Payroll Tax Risk and Controls Manager is responsible for building, implementing, and overseeing operational controls across the Payroll Tax Filing organization. This role will lead internal audits, risk assessments, control testing, and compliance initiatives to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll tax operations for clients.
This individual will create scalable control frameworks, identify operational gaps, monitor high-risk processes, and partner with leadership teams to improve service quality, reduce client risk, and strengthen accountability across teams. The role will also support SOC compliance initiatives, audit readiness, process governance, and continuous improvement efforts.
The ideal candidate has experience in payroll tax operations, internal audit, risk management, compliance, or operational controls within a payroll, tax, finance, or professional services environment.
Key Responsibilities
Design and implement a comprehensive controls framework for Payroll Tax Filing operations
Establish control standards, audit procedures, and monitoring processes across teams
Conduct internal operational audits to identify gaps, risks, and process failures
Perform recurring control testing to ensure procedures are operating effectively
Develop risk mitigation plans and partner with operational leaders on corrective actions
Monitor high-risk client accounts and operational trends to identify recurring issues
Support SOC audit activities, documentation, evidence gathering, and remediation tracking
Create reporting dashboards and metrics related to compliance, audit findings, operational health, and control effectiveness
Review workflows and identify opportunities for automation, standardization, and process improvement
Ensure teams are following documented procedures, escalation protocols, and compliance requirements
Partner with leadership to establish governance standards and accountability measures
Lead root cause analysis efforts for operational failures, missed filings, notices, penalties, or client escalations
Develop and maintain process documentation, control narratives, and standard operating procedures
Provide recommendations to improve operational accuracy, client satisfaction, and service delivery consistency
Collaborate cross-functionally with payroll, tax filing, compliance, implementation, client services, and technology teams
Required Skills and Experience
5+ years of experience in payroll tax filing, payroll operations, compliance, audit, risk management, or operational controls
Experience creating or managing internal controls frameworks in a service-based or operational environment
Strong understanding of payroll tax filing processes, tax notices, amendments, agency compliance, and operational workflows
Experience conducting audits, control testing, process reviews, or compliance assessments
Knowledge of SOC controls, operational risk management, or governance frameworks
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to identify trends and operational risks
Experience managing remediation efforts and driving process improvements
Ability to work across multiple teams and influence operational change
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Advanced Excel and reporting skills preferred
Experience working in high-volume, deadline-driven operational environments
Preferred Qualifications
Experience within payroll services, HCM, tax filing, or professional services organizations
Experience supporting SOC 1 or SOC 2 audits
Familiarity with process improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement frameworks
Experience with operational KPI reporting and service delivery metrics
Experience working with enterprise payroll platforms and tax filing systems
Prior experience in a consulting or advisory environment is a plus
Preferred Certifications
Certified Payroll Professional (CPP)
Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
CPA preferred but not required
Six Sigma certification preferred
Certified Risk and Compliance Management Professional (CRCMP)
What Success Looks Like in This Role
Reduction in missed filings, penalties, and client escalations
Improved operational consistency across teams
Stronger audit readiness and compliance documentation
Increased visibility into operational risks and service gaps
Measurable improvement in client health and operational KPIs
Sustainable controls framework implemented across Payroll Tax Filing operations
At Strada, our values guide everything we do:
Anticipate Customer Needs – We stay ahead of trends so our customers can grow and succeed.
Own the Outcome – We take responsibility for delivering excellence and ensuring things get done right.
Challenge Ourselves to Work Smarter – We move faster than the world around us to drive change and accomplish more.
Empower Each Other to Solve Problems – We tackle challenges head on, ask tough questions, and collaborate to find the best solutions.
Care About Our Work and Our People – We understand that what we do impacts millions, and we have a responsibility to get it right.
Benefits
At Strada, we support your whole self—offering a range of benefits for your health, wellbeing, finances, and future. These include health coverage, wellbeing programs, paid leave (vacation, sick, parental), retirement plans, learning opportunities, and more.
All offers are contingent on successful completion of background checks, where permitted by law and as appropriate for the role. These may include identity, education, employment, and in some cases, criminal history verification, checks against global watchlists, credit reports, and/or drug testing. You’ll be informed of the specific checks applicable to your role and location during the recruitment process.
Our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
Strada is dedicated to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and supported. We believe that embracing differences strengthens our teams and drives innovation and success.
Diversity Policy Statement
Strada is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination based on legally protected characteristics. Applicants may request a reasonable accommodation by contacting their recruiter.
Authorization to work in the Employing Country
To be considered, you must have current and future work authorization in the country where you're applying, without the need for visa sponsorship by Strada.
Please note: This job description does not limit Strada’s right to assign or reassign responsibilities, including to subsidiaries, partners, or future business purchasers.
We offer you a competitive total rewards package, continuing education & training, and tremendous potential with a growing worldwide organization.
Salary Pay Range
Minimum - Maximum:
$77,420.00 - $143,780.00Pay Transparency Statement: Strada considers a variety of factors in determining whether to extend an offer of employment and in setting the appropriate compensation level, including, but not limited to, a candidate’s experience, education, certification/credentials, market data, internal equity, and geography. Strada makes these decisions on an individualized, non-discriminatory basis. Bonus and/or incentive eligibility are determined by role and level.
DISCLAIMER:
Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities of this job to other entities; including but not limited to subsidiaries, partners, or purchasers of Strada business units.