Job Description

At Optasia we use the latest technologies and tools to build impactful customer experiences, grow our network and provide comprehensive financial access for millions of customers in countries across continental Africa, Asia and beyond.

We are seeking a dynamic Global Payroll Manager with deep experience of managing payroll across multiple international markets, coupled to a strong understanding of startup and scaleup culture.

• The ideal person will possess strong payroll governance, analytical, and stakeholder management skills, together with the ability to deliver accurate, timely, and compliant payroll operations in a complex international environment.

• Experience managing payroll vendors, strengthening controls, and navigating local payroll requirements across Africa, Middle East, Asia and other international markets is essential.

This is a key role in a growing organization - an opportunity to work in a company where a go-getter spirit and customer orientation are valued as highly as technical excellence.

Detailed overview

Location: Athens or Dubai

Candidate Profile

• A detail-oriented and commercially aware payroll leader who can combine rigorous operational control with a high-quality employee experience.

• Proven experience working across multiple jurisdictions in Africa and Asia, balancing standardization, compliance, accuracy and pace in a fast-changing environment.

• Passionate about building robust payroll processes, improving controls, and partnering effectively across People, Finance, Legal, and third-party vendors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the accurate and timely delivery of payroll across multiple countries, coordinating internal inputs and external providers to ensure payroll is processed correctly and on schedule.

• Own payroll governance, controls, calendars, reconciliations, and audit readiness, ensuring payroll processes are well-documented, compliant, and scalable.

• Partner closely with People, Finance, Legal, and third-party vendors to manage payroll-related changes including new hires, exits, compensation changes, benefits deductions, equity-related inputs and statutory updates. Analyzing payroll trends and cost management is required.

• Monitor local payroll legislation, tax, social security, and reporting requirements, escalating risks and ensuring appropriate operational responses.

• Drive continuous improvement in payroll processes, systems, data quality and reporting, using metrics and root-cause analysis to reduce errors and improve efficiency.

• Identify and manage new payroll vendors in new geographic locations as the company expands into new markets. Integrate acquisitions, restructures, and changes to employment models where relevant.

• Manage payroll vendors and service partners, ensuring strong performance, issue resolution, compliance and value for money.

• Produce payroll reporting and insights for Finance and People stakeholders, supporting forecasting, controls and decision-making.

• Contribute to employee communication and manager guidance on payroll-related topics with clarity and professionalism.

Requirements

• Progressive global payroll experience with meaningful leadership responsibility for multi-country payroll operations.

• Strong knowledge of payroll processes, controls, reconciliations, compliance requirements, and vendor management in international environments.

• Experience working across multiple countries, with good understanding of payroll legislation and employment-related statutory requirements in the markets where the company operates.

• Demonstrated ability to partner effectively with Finance, People, Legal, and external providers on complex payroll matters.

• Data-driven, detail-oriented, and business-oriented approach to payroll governance and service delivery.

• Experience in a challenging, dynamic, and complex business environment with a focus on multiculturalism and internationalism.

• Ability to quickly build trust with employees, managers, vendors and partners.

• Strong diplomatic and interpersonal skills with high levels of professionalism and integrity.

• Ability to plan and prioritize work under tight deadlines, work on own initiative and as a member of a team.

• Experience improving payroll processes, systems, and controls in scaleup or transformation environments.

Why Optasia?

Optasia is a high-growth, AI-powered financial infrastructure platform serving over 432 million users in emerging markets across Africa and Asia. By harnessing the power of AI and real-time data we unlock financial opportunities for customers. We have been recognized as a top fintech by Forbes Middle East, culminating in a successful JSE listing in 2025.

At Optasia, our global team builds the tech, products and services which will change the game for the world's unbanked population. We empower our people by offering unique employee experiences and support individual careers by prioritizing well-being and embracing flexibility.

Benefits include:

• Work From Anywhere Policy

• Competitive remuneration package

• Performance-based bonus scheme

• Extra day off on your birthday

• Comprehensive private healthcare insurance

• All the tech gear you need to work smart

Join us in shaping the future of Optasia as we grow together. Explore more at optasia.com