Canonical: Global Payroll Manager — Home based - EMEA; Office Based - London, UK

About Canonical

Canonical develops open-source software and operating systems for enterprise and technology users. Its Ubuntu platform is used in cloud computing, data science, artificial intelligence, engineering and connected-device environments. The employer describes a distributed working model with periodic in-person team meetings. Its vacancies therefore span both software delivery and the business functions that support it. Applicants should check the location, time-zone and travel conditions attached to the individual role rather than assume every position is available from any country.

The position and its setting

Canonical lists Global Payroll Manager in Home based - EMEA; Office Based - London, UK, under reference 8081579. The details below separate the work described by the employer from essential conditions, preferred experience and practical preparation advice.

• Department: Operations
• Employer listing date: 10 September 2026

Subjects named in the job description

The posting mentions the following work areas. These references are not a separate list of compulsory certifications.

• AI
• process improvement
• audit
• accounting
• taxation
• compliance
• payroll
• stakeholder management

Essential requirements and candidate background

• An academic track record from both high school and university
• An undergraduate degree in Accounting or Finance, or a compelling narrative about your alternative chosen path
• Significant payroll experience supporting multi-country and/or global payroll operations
• Knowledge: payroll compliance, taxation, and internal controls
• Experience managing payroll audits and regulatory requirements
• Proficiency: payroll systems, HRIS platforms, and spreadsheet-based analysis
• Analytical, problem-solving, and reconciliation skills
• Leadership and commitment to skills development and mentorship
• The work ethic and confidence to shine alongside motivated colleagues
• A track record of going above-and-beyond expectations
• Professional written and spoken English with presentation skills
• Interpersonal skills, curiosity, flexibility, and accountability
• Appreciative of diversity, polite, and effective in a multi-cultural, multi-national organization
• Thoughtfulness and self-motivation
• Result-oriented, with a personal drive to meet commitments
• Travel internationally twice a year for company events up to two weeks long
• In addition we expect that you will match our values, by being:
• Precise, taking care to deliver correctness and clarity
• Reliable, delivering high quality work that builds trust and confidence
• Accessible, collaborating to build products and systems that are usable

Preferred experience and additional strengths

• Experience implementing or optimizing payroll platforms and HRIS systems
• Payroll management experience in publicly traded or pre-IPO companies
• A passion for technology and a desire to work with motivated colleagues
• Experience supporting rapid expansion, including new country payroll launches
• MBA or other relevant business degree

Location, schedule and contract conditions

For this overseas or regional listing, confirm work authorisation and any location restrictions with the employer. The location does not establish visa sponsorship or permission to work remotely from India.

• Location: This role is home-based in EMEA time zones, with the option to be based in our London office
• Advertised location: Home based - EMEA; Office Based - London, UK

Benefits mentioned by the employer

• We consider geographical location, experience, and performance in shaping compensation worldwide
• We assess performance and revisit compensation twice annually to ensure we recognize colleagues
• In addition to base pay, we offer a performance-driven annual bonus or commission
• We provide all team members with additional benefits which reflect our values and ideals
• We balance our programs to meet local needs and ensure fairness globally
• Distributed work environment with twice-yearly team sprints in person
• Personal learning and development budget of USD 2,000 per year
• Bi-annual compensation review
• Company recognition rewards
• 40 days annual leave per annum, including public holidays and our All Company holiday periods
• Maternity and paternity leave
• Team Member Assistance Program & Wellness Platform

Pay and application dates

A verified salary figure is not established in this article. An online estimate for another Global Payroll Manager vacancy is not an offer for reference 8081579; use the employer’s own pay disclosure and recruitment communication.

A closing date is not confirmed in this article. Check the current employer page before submitting: an undated posting can change or be withdrawn.

How to apply to Canonical

Applications follow the official employer page linked below.

Open the official Canonical posting below and match the title and reference 8081579.

Compare your qualifications and experience with the essential conditions for the Home based - EMEA; Office Based - London, UK position, then read the preferred criteria separately.

Prepare an accurate CV and the supporting items requested in that employer’s application. Provide only information and documents you are authorised to share.

Use the employer’s application option, complete the required fields and review the submission. Retain the acknowledgement when one is provided. Job Alerts World does not receive the application.

Practical preparation: AI

An AI-related example should make the task and evaluation explicit. Explain the inputs, the system’s intended output and how you checked errors, usefulness or reliability, rather than relying on the model name alone.

Relevant skills

• AI
• process improvement
• audit
• accounting
• taxation
• compliance
• payroll
• stakeholder management