Global Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Job Description

Here at Rakuten Kobo Inc. we offer a casual working start-up environment and a group of friendly and talented individuals. Our employees rank us highly in terms of commitment to work/life balance. We realize that for our people to be innovative, creative and passionate they need to feel valued and supported. We believe in rewarding all our employees with competitive salaries, performance based annual bonuses, stock options and training opportunities.

If you’re looking for a company that inspires passion, personal, and professional growth – join Kobo and come help us on our mission of making reading lives better.

The Opportunity:

Are you a meticulously organized and customer-centric payroll and benefits professional with a global mindset? Rakuten Kobo is seeking a highly skilled Global Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join our dynamic team. In this pivotal role, you will be instrumental in ensuring the accurate, compliant, and timely processing of payroll and administration of benefits for our diverse global workforce. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, possess a keen eye for detail, and are passionate about delivering an exceptional employee experience, we encourage you to apply!

What You'll Do (Responsibilities):

• Global Payroll and Benefits Administration:Own and manage all aspects of the assigned payroll cycles, including new hires, terminations, other employee changes, on a timely and efficient manner.Work collaboratively to be a secondary audit on other payroll cycles administered within the team.Administer and maintain group benefits plans globally, including processing enrolments, terminations, amendments, and qualifying life events.Reconcile and process monthly benefits plan billing, ensuring timely and accurate payments.
• Employee Support & Relations:Serve as a primary point of contact for employee, manager, and third-party inquiries related to payroll and benefits, providing clear, concise, and empathetic responses.Cultivate strong relationships with payroll and benefits providers, acting as the key liaison for technical issues and service improvements.Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including HR Business Partners, Finance, and Legal, to ensure seamless integration and communication of payroll and benefits information.Act as a trusted advisor to Employee Experience Team, managers, and International HR partners on payroll and benefits-related matters, supporting employee relations and understanding.
• Compliance, Reporting & Risk Management:Lead and execute all year-end global payroll tasks, including preparation and filing of tax forms, annual reconciliations, and regulatory returns.Generate and provide comprehensive payroll reports and files for month-end accounting/reporting to the Finance team.Generate and analyze payroll and benefits data to identify trends, support decision-making, and contribute to the optimization of programs.Prepare insightful reports for management on payroll costs, benefits utilization, and other key metrics.Ensure payroll and benefits processes adhere to all local, national, and international regulatory requirements and internal policies.Proactively monitor changes in global payroll and benefits legislation, tax laws, and compliance requirements, advising on necessary adjustments to mitigate risk.Collaborate with third-party tax and legal consultants/auditors to ensure adherence to local regulations in all jurisdictions.
• Global Expansion & Special Projects:Actively participate in the implementation of new country payrolls and benefits programs as Rakuten Kobo expands its global footprint.Process expatriate payroll changes and coordinate annual tax return filings with our tax providers and the Rakuten Global Mobility team.Manage and update payroll contributions for global voluntary retirement programs.
• Continuous Improvement & Process Optimization:Identify and recommend opportunities for process improvements and automation within payroll and benefits operations.Routinely audit payroll and benefits processes and data, investigating and resolving discrepancies to maintain data integrity and ensure accuracy.Review, develop and maintain comprehensive standard operating procedures (SOPs) and documentation for all payroll and benefits processes.Collaborate with HRIS and IT teams to optimize system functionality and leverage technology for improved efficiency and data accuracy.Stay current with global payroll and benefits regulations and best practices.

What You'll Bring (Required Skills & Experience):

• Post-secondary education in Finance, Payroll, Human Resources, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressive experience.
• 2-4 years of direct experience in payroll and benefits administration
• Demonstrated experience with global payroll processing and/or multi-jurisdictional benefits administration is a significant asset
• Proficiency with payroll and HRIS systems; direct experience with Ceridian Dayforce, ADP, and Workday is highly desirable.
• Certifications: PCP (Payroll Compliance Practitioner) designation complete or in progress is a strong asset.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, formulas, macros) for data analysis, reconciliation, and reporting.
• Ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and clear reports.
• Exceptional Analytical Skills: Strong attention to detail and accuracy, with the ability to identify and resolve discrepancies effectively.
• Regulatory Acumen: A strong understanding of global payroll and benefits compliance principles and a commitment to staying informed on legislative changes.
• Global Mindset: Understanding of diverse cultural contexts and varying payroll/benefits regulations.
• Customer Service Orientation: A proactive and empathetic approach to supporting employees at all levels.
• Organizational Prowess: Impeccable organizational skills, strong time management skills, ability to prioritize effectively, manage multiple deadlines, and maintain absolute confidentiality of sensitive data.
• Adaptability & Learning Agility: A fast learner who is comfortable with new systems and processes, and passionate about personal and professional growth.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of explaining complex information clearly and concisely.
• Team Player: Ability to collaborate effectively within a team environment and build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactive & Self-Motivated: A self-starter who takes initiative and is eager to take on new responsibilities in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

The Perks:

• Flexible hours and hybrid remote working environment
• Subsidized in-office lunches
• Four extended long weekends in the summer
• Full benefits starting from your first day
• Paid Volunteer days, unlimited sick days, and 3% RRSP matching
• Work From Anywhere Program for up to 3 months (90 days)
• Lifestyle spending account
• Talent and development training budget
• Free Kobo device + free weekly e-book or audiobook
• Weekly Kobo Tech University sessions
• Maternity/paternity leave top up
• Dog friendly office