H-1B Visa Payroll Consultant Jobs
Payroll Consultant roles qualify as H-1B visa specialty occupations when the position requires a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, human resources, or a related field. Employers filing H-1B petitions for payroll professionals must first obtain a certified Labor Condition Application from DOL, confirming the offered wage meets the prevailing wage for the SOC code tied to your role.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout NAES
At NAES, you’ll find engaging and challenging career opportunities across conventional power generation, renewable energy, energy storage, grid operations and complex industrial facilities. At every level of the company, our people share a common goal: to instill confidence in our clients through a steadfast commitment to safety, integrity, and the quality of our work.
NAES is the largest independent operator of power facilities in the industry, managing more than 400 facilities and over 60 GW of generation under contract across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the UK. Powered by a team of roughly 4,000 people, we now support the full life cycle of energy and industrial plants — from development and construction through operations, optimization, digital transformation, and decommissioning — giving our employees the opportunity to grow their careers while helping to modernize the critical infrastructure that keeps communities running.
Sr. Manager, Global Payroll & HRIS
Lead. Transform. Influence.
At NAES, we believe payroll is far more than processing transactions—it's one of the most visible expressions of trust between an employer and its employees. Every paycheck represents our commitment to our people.
We're looking for an exceptional leader who sees payroll and HR technology as strategic business functions, not administrative ones. This is an opportunity for someone who thrives building high-performing teams, modernizing systems, developing people, and creating world-class employee experiences across a global organization.
You'll lead an outstanding payroll and HRIS organization while partnering closely with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, IT, Legal, and executive leadership to shape the future of how we operate. If you're energized by solving complex problems, inspiring teams, simplifying processes, and leading through influence, we'd like to meet you.
Position Summary
The Sr. Manager of Global Payroll & HRIS provides strategic leadership for all global payroll operations and HR technology. This executive leader is responsible for developing the long-term vision for payroll, ensuring exceptional operational execution, strengthening governance and compliance, and building scalable systems that support the organization's continued growth.
Success in this role requires more than technical expertise. We're seeking a leader with strong emotional intelligence, sound business judgment, and a passion for developing people. Someone who creates clarity during change, builds trust across functions, and inspires teams to continuously improve.
The Sr. Manager leads the end-to-end delivery of accurate, compliant, and timely payroll operations while driving modernization of payroll and HRIS platforms to improve the employee experience and organizational efficiency.
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute a forward-looking global payroll and HRIS strategy that supports organizational growth and scalability
- Build a culture focused on operational excellence, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on payroll strategy, workforce technology, compliance, and organizational risk
- Lead transformational initiatives that simplify processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the employee experience
Build High-Performing Teams
- Recruit, develop, coach, and retain exceptional payroll and HRIS professionals
- Foster an environment built on trust, collaboration, accountability, and ownership
- Develop future leaders while encouraging innovation, curiosity, and professional growth
- Lead with humility, empathy, and emotional intelligence
Global Payroll Excellence
- Oversee accurate and timely payroll processing across multiple countries and jurisdictions
- Ensure compliance with international, federal, state, provincial, and local payroll, tax, wage, and employment regulations
- Own payroll governance, internal controls, audit readiness, JSOX compliance, and data privacy standards
- Continuously evaluate and improve payroll policies, controls, and operating procedures
HR Technology & Process Transformation
- Lead the strategic direction of payroll and HRIS platforms, including UKG Workforce and future technologies
- Identify opportunities to automate workflows, improve integrations, and leverage technology to eliminate manual processes
- Champion data integrity and reporting capabilities that support better business decisions
- Partner with IT to ensure scalable, secure, and resilient HR technology solutions
Financial Partnership
- Partner closely with Finance and Accounting to ensure accurate payroll accounting, reconciliations, accruals, executive compensation, and financial reporting
- Ensure payroll data supports audit requirements and organizational financial controls
- Identify opportunities to improve forecasting, reporting, and operational efficiency
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Build trusted relationships across HR, Finance, Accounting, Legal, Tax, Operations, and executive leadership
- Influence decisions through collaboration rather than authority
- Communicate complex issues clearly and confidently to executives and stakeholders
- Lead organizational change with transparency and confidence
Vendor & Service Delivery
- Establish strategic partnerships with global payroll providers and technology vendors
- Hold partners accountable through clearly defined service levels and performance expectations
- Continuously evaluate vendor performance, technology, and opportunities for improvement
What Success Looks Like
- Build an engaged, high-performing team that enjoys working together
- Create a culture where people are empowered to solve problems and improve processes
- Deliver an exceptional employee payroll experience built on accuracy, responsiveness, and trust
- Modernize payroll operations through technology and automation
- Strengthen governance while simplifying how work gets done
- Become a trusted business partner to executive leadership
- Leave the organization stronger than they found it
What We're Looking For
Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related discipline
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) required
- 12+ years of progressive payroll leadership, including significant global payroll responsibility
- Proven experience leading large-scale payroll transformation and HRIS modernization initiatives
- Experience managing complex international payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions
- Demonstrated success building and leading high-performing teams
Leadership Competencies
We're looking for someone who brings both technical excellence and exceptional leadership
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- High emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- Executive presence with humility and authenticity
- Strong business and financial acumen
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
- Strategic thinking balanced with operational discipline
- Courage to make difficult decisions while leading with empathy
- Ability to inspire, coach, and develop others
- Intellectual curiosity and continuous learning
- A growth mindset with a passion for innovation
- Calm, thoughtful leadership during periods of change
Working Relationships
- Reports to Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
Compensation
The initial compensation will range from $152,200 to $175,100 depending on experience
Partners closely with
- Executive Leadership Team
- Human Resources
- Finance & Accounting
- Information Technology
- Legal & Compliance
- Global Operations
- External Payroll Partners
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.
NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.
Experience
- Preferred 12+ years of progressive payroll leadership, including significant global payroll responsibility.
- Proven experience leading large-scale payroll transformation and HRIS modernization initiatives.
- Experience managing complex international payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions.
- Demonstrated success building and leading high-performing teams.
Education
- Preferred Bachelor's or better in Accounting or related field
Licenses & Certifications
- Required Driver's License
- CPP Cert. Payroll Prof
Skills
- Preferred Communication
- Interpersonal Skills
- Management
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Multi-State Payroll Processing
- Payroll
- Payroll Analysis
- Payroll Taxes
- Ultimate Software
- Verbal and Written Communications
Behaviors
- Preferred Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
- Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
- Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
About NAES
At NAES, you’ll find engaging and challenging career opportunities across conventional power generation, renewable energy, energy storage, grid operations and complex industrial facilities. At every level of the company, our people share a common goal: to instill confidence in our clients through a steadfast commitment to safety, integrity, and the quality of our work.
NAES is the largest independent operator of power facilities in the industry, managing more than 400 facilities and over 60 GW of generation under contract across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the UK. Powered by a team of roughly 4,000 people, we now support the full life cycle of energy and industrial plants — from development and construction through operations, optimization, digital transformation, and decommissioning — giving our employees the opportunity to grow their careers while helping to modernize the critical infrastructure that keeps communities running.
Sr. Manager, Global Payroll & HRIS
Lead. Transform. Influence.
At NAES, we believe payroll is far more than processing transactions—it's one of the most visible expressions of trust between an employer and its employees. Every paycheck represents our commitment to our people.
We're looking for an exceptional leader who sees payroll and HR technology as strategic business functions, not administrative ones. This is an opportunity for someone who thrives building high-performing teams, modernizing systems, developing people, and creating world-class employee experiences across a global organization.
You'll lead an outstanding payroll and HRIS organization while partnering closely with Human Resources, Finance, Accounting, IT, Legal, and executive leadership to shape the future of how we operate. If you're energized by solving complex problems, inspiring teams, simplifying processes, and leading through influence, we'd like to meet you.
Position Summary
The Sr. Manager of Global Payroll & HRIS provides strategic leadership for all global payroll operations and HR technology. This executive leader is responsible for developing the long-term vision for payroll, ensuring exceptional operational execution, strengthening governance and compliance, and building scalable systems that support the organization's continued growth.
Success in this role requires more than technical expertise. We're seeking a leader with strong emotional intelligence, sound business judgment, and a passion for developing people. Someone who creates clarity during change, builds trust across functions, and inspires teams to continuously improve.
The Sr. Manager leads the end-to-end delivery of accurate, compliant, and timely payroll operations while driving modernization of payroll and HRIS platforms to improve the employee experience and organizational efficiency.
Strategic Leadership
- Develop and execute a forward-looking global payroll and HRIS strategy that supports organizational growth and scalability
- Build a culture focused on operational excellence, accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Serve as a trusted advisor to executive leadership on payroll strategy, workforce technology, compliance, and organizational risk
- Lead transformational initiatives that simplify processes, improve efficiency, and enhance the employee experience
Build High-Performing Teams
- Recruit, develop, coach, and retain exceptional payroll and HRIS professionals
- Foster an environment built on trust, collaboration, accountability, and ownership
- Develop future leaders while encouraging innovation, curiosity, and professional growth
- Lead with humility, empathy, and emotional intelligence
Global Payroll Excellence
- Oversee accurate and timely payroll processing across multiple countries and jurisdictions
- Ensure compliance with international, federal, state, provincial, and local payroll, tax, wage, and employment regulations
- Own payroll governance, internal controls, audit readiness, JSOX compliance, and data privacy standards
- Continuously evaluate and improve payroll policies, controls, and operating procedures
HR Technology & Process Transformation
- Lead the strategic direction of payroll and HRIS platforms, including UKG Workforce and future technologies
- Identify opportunities to automate workflows, improve integrations, and leverage technology to eliminate manual processes
- Champion data integrity and reporting capabilities that support better business decisions
- Partner with IT to ensure scalable, secure, and resilient HR technology solutions
Financial Partnership
- Partner closely with Finance and Accounting to ensure accurate payroll accounting, reconciliations, accruals, executive compensation, and financial reporting
- Ensure payroll data supports audit requirements and organizational financial controls
- Identify opportunities to improve forecasting, reporting, and operational efficiency
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Build trusted relationships across HR, Finance, Accounting, Legal, Tax, Operations, and executive leadership
- Influence decisions through collaboration rather than authority
- Communicate complex issues clearly and confidently to executives and stakeholders
- Lead organizational change with transparency and confidence
Vendor & Service Delivery
- Establish strategic partnerships with global payroll providers and technology vendors
- Hold partners accountable through clearly defined service levels and performance expectations
- Continuously evaluate vendor performance, technology, and opportunities for improvement
What Success Looks Like
- Build an engaged, high-performing team that enjoys working together
- Create a culture where people are empowered to solve problems and improve processes
- Deliver an exceptional employee payroll experience built on accuracy, responsiveness, and trust
- Modernize payroll operations through technology and automation
- Strengthen governance while simplifying how work gets done
- Become a trusted business partner to executive leadership
- Leave the organization stronger than they found it
What We're Looking For
Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, Human Resources, or related discipline
- Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) required
- 12+ years of progressive payroll leadership, including significant global payroll responsibility
- Proven experience leading large-scale payroll transformation and HRIS modernization initiatives
- Experience managing complex international payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions
- Demonstrated success building and leading high-performing teams
Leadership Competencies
We're looking for someone who brings both technical excellence and exceptional leadership
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- High emotional intelligence and self-awareness
- Executive presence with humility and authenticity
- Strong business and financial acumen
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills
- Strategic thinking balanced with operational discipline
- Courage to make difficult decisions while leading with empathy
- Ability to inspire, coach, and develop others
- Intellectual curiosity and continuous learning
- A growth mindset with a passion for innovation
- Calm, thoughtful leadership during periods of change
Working Relationships
- Reports to Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer
Compensation
The initial compensation will range from $152,200 to $175,100 depending on experience
Partners closely with
- Executive Leadership Team
- Human Resources
- Finance & Accounting
- Information Technology
- Legal & Compliance
- Global Operations
- External Payroll Partners
NAES Safe
Safety is a core value of NAES and as a condition of employment, all employees are expected to be mentally alert and work safely at all times. Additionally, employees are required to adhere to all safety warnings and posted safety signs whenever on company property. Furthermore, employees must follow all NAES safety rules and procedures. Effectiveness in carrying out this responsibility is part of the evaluation of each employee’s performance.
NAES is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. It is the practice of NAES to seek employees of the highest quality and to select individuals on the basis of merit and competence, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, military status or affiliation protected under USERRA, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by applicable local, state and federal law.
Experience
- Preferred 12+ years of progressive payroll leadership, including significant global payroll responsibility.
- Proven experience leading large-scale payroll transformation and HRIS modernization initiatives.
- Experience managing complex international payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions.
- Demonstrated success building and leading high-performing teams.
Education
- Preferred Bachelor's or better in Accounting or related field
Licenses & Certifications
- Required Driver's License
- CPP Cert. Payroll Prof
Skills
- Preferred Communication
- Interpersonal Skills
- Management
- Microsoft Office Suite
- Multi-State Payroll Processing
- Payroll
- Payroll Analysis
- Payroll Taxes
- Ultimate Software
- Verbal and Written Communications
Behaviors
- Preferred Detail Oriented: Capable of carrying out a given task with all details necessary to get the task done well
- Enthusiastic: Shows intense and eager enjoyment and interest
- Functional Expert: Considered a thought leader on a subject
- Innovative: Consistently introduces new ideas and demonstrates original thinking
- Leader: Inspires teammates to follow them
- Team Player: Works well as a member of a group
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
See all 457+ H-1B Visa Payroll Consultant Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Payroll Consultant Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Payroll Consultant
Verify your SOC code before applying
Payroll Consultant roles can be classified under multiple SOC codes, and the code your employer uses determines your prevailing wage level. Pull the O*NET profile for your target title and confirm the classification matches your actual duties before accepting an offer.
Document your degree's field alignment
USCIS scrutinizes payroll roles where the degree field isn't an obvious match. Prepare a credential evaluation letter and a written narrative linking your accounting, finance, or HR degree directly to the payroll systems and compliance functions in the job description.
Target employers with active LCA filing history
Search Migrate Mate to filter Payroll Consultant openings by employers who have filed H-1B Labor Condition Applications for payroll and compensation roles, so you're not starting the sponsorship conversation from zero.
Ask about ERP system experience in negotiations
Employers sponsoring H-1B payroll roles often require demonstrated expertise in Workday, SAP, or ADP platforms. Highlighting certified proficiency in a specific ERP system strengthens the specialty occupation argument and can accelerate internal approval to sponsor your petition.
Request premium processing before your OPT expires
If you're transitioning from OPT, confirm with your employer that USCIS premium processing is included in the offer timeline. Standard processing can run several months, and without premium processing, your start date may slip past your OPT end date.
Confirm prevailing wage level with OFLC Wage Search
Look up the prevailing wage for your specific SOC code and work location using the OFLC Wage Search before salary negotiations. Level I and Level II wages differ significantly, and employers must certify the correct level in the LCA before filing your H-1B petition.
H-1B Visa Payroll Consultant: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Payroll Consultant role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, provided the employer requires at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field such as accounting, finance, human resources, or business administration, and the job duties go beyond clerical payroll processing. Roles involving payroll compliance, multi-state tax reporting, or ERP configuration typically satisfy USCIS's specialty occupation standard. Generic payroll clerk positions with no degree requirement do not qualify.
Which employers sponsor H-1B visas for Payroll Consultant roles?
Large enterprises with dedicated payroll or total rewards teams, professional employer organizations, and HR consulting firms are the most consistent H-1B sponsors for payroll professionals. You can browse Payroll Consultant openings filtered by H-1B filing history on Migrate Mate, so you're only targeting employers who have already demonstrated willingness to sponsor this role type.
What SOC code does DOL use for Payroll Consultant H-1B filings?
Most Payroll Consultant roles are filed under SOC code 13-1141 (Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists) or 43-3051 (Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks), depending on the level of analytical responsibility. The SOC code your employer selects directly determines the prevailing wage threshold DOL requires the LCA to certify. Confirm the code with your employer before the LCA is submitted, as it affects your wage level and petition strength.
Can a Payroll Consultant change employers while on H-1B status?
Yes. Under H-1B portability rules, you can start working for a new employer as soon as the new I-129 petition is filed with USCIS, without waiting for approval, as long as you've been in valid H-1B status for at least 180 days. Your new employer must file a new H-1B transfer petition and obtain a certified LCA before or simultaneously with the filing. You don't re-enter the lottery.
Does multi-state payroll experience affect H-1B sponsorship eligibility?
Not directly for eligibility, but it strengthens the specialty occupation argument. Multi-state payroll compliance involves federal and state tax law, garnishment rules, and varying wage-and-hour regulations, which supports the claim that the role requires specialized knowledge. Employers who emphasize this scope in the H-1B petition are less likely to receive a Request for Evidence questioning whether the position truly requires a bachelor's degree.