Manager, Payroll Accounting

The Manager, Payroll Accounting is a key member within the EMEA Finance team, reporting directly to the Senior Manager, Payroll Accounting, and holding ultimate accountability for the financial accounting of the company’s largest and most valuable asset—its associates. Partnering closely with business partners across Payroll, HR, and Finance, you will oversee and direct payroll accounting operations across approximately 15 EMEA countries to ensure the absolute accuracy, completeness, and integrity of payroll‑related financial reporting while providing strategic insights that drive the operating retail business forward. The Manager Payroll Accounting oversees and optimizes the month-end close process through advanced payroll accounting, reconciliations, and analysis, while strategically advising business partners on controls, compliance, and forecasting to drive financial accuracy. Managing and working closely with two payroll accountants, the Manager Payroll Accounting combines a continuous-improvement mindset with sharp attention to detail to identify opportunities to enhance accounting processes, controls, and efficiencies, while leveraging strong business partnering skills to deliver these changes to completion. The ideal candidate thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, demonstrates a strong sense of ownership and accountability, and combines a hands-on approach with the ability to balance technical payroll accounting excellence and value-adding insights that support business performance and employee experience.

Directly execute and oversee month, quarterly, and year-end close activities, preparing journal entries to ensure all payroll activity is accurately recorded. Review and approve journal entries, balance sheet reconciliations, and variance analytical prepared by the team, maintaining ultimate accountability for financial accuracy. Support the Senior Manager, Payroll Accounting by providing advanced expertise on complex, non-routine, and high-risk transactions. Partner effectively with FP&A Wages, Payroll Operations, and HR (both finance and non-finance teams) to ensure financial records are accurate and completed in a timely manner. Lead and execute performance and departmental improvement projects to continuously optimize payroll accounting workflows, controls, and efficiencies. Manage and coordinate internal and external audits, acting as the primary point of contact and ensuring full compliance with accounting standards and policies. Proactively review and challenge accounting assumptions and judgments, documenting conclusions and escalating key risk areas appropriately. Manage, coach, and develop two Payroll Accountants, fostering a high-performance team environment and driving their professional growth.

(HBO) Bachelor or Master of Accounting, Business Administration or Business Economy - Finance Focus Minimum 3 – 5 years relevant work experience in an international company work environment Strong knowledge and understanding of accounting; knowledge/exposure to FP&A (business controls) is preferred. Fluent in English, both written and oral. Strong Microsoft Excel skills and data analytical/manipulation skills Enthusiastic and eager to learn with a practical (hands-on) mentality. Able to work independently but is not afraid to ask questions/guidance. Competencies required: Strong analytical and communication skills; Respects and brings others along: is a team player, values partnerships and builds capability Handles challenges and gets results shows flexibility, displays sense of urgency; Understands the problem identification, problem-solving process and be able to follow through to get the result needed (STAR). Strong level of autonomy and self-accountability Can easily adapt to and work in a dynamic changing environment Able to work in an open, collaborative team centric environment Appreciate sneaker culture Foot Locker is entitled to assign other