US Payroll Coordinator

About us
The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.

In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.

Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.

Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

Our commitment to equity in the workplace
At the FT, we give all employees across all regions an equal voice and opportunity so that diverse perspectives are heard, recognized and valued. We believe that a supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves at work and have the flexibility they need to meet their personal needs.

The role / Position overview
The US Payroll Specialist is a key member of the Financial Times’s Global People team, responsible for the administration of payroll for the US entity. This role focuses on the preparation and management of payroll in coordination with our external vendor, ActivPayroll (AP), and supports wider HR initiatives both locally and globally.

We are seeking someone with a deep understanding of payroll processes, strong attention to detail, and the adaptability to thrive in a dynamic environment.

Key responsibilities
● Prepare, administer, and verify US payroll via outsourced provider ActivPayroll (AP)
● Input and manage payroll changes: new hires, terminations, bonuses, deductions, garnishments, leaves, tax adjustments
● Manage timesheets for non-exempt employees
● Maintain strong vendor relationships and lead monthly Payroll Governance calls
● Collaborate on Workday HRIS improvements to enhance payroll process/data compliance
● Update and maintain accurate employee records across all systems
● Ensure compliance with internal controls and governmental regulations
● Communicate payroll changes across collaborators and audit systems for accuracy
● Provide exceptional employee support; manage payroll inquiries and inbox
● Generate and analyze payroll and HRIS reports
● Conduct quarterly/annual audits and ensure corrective follow-up
● Participate in special projects and other duties as assigned

Required skills / experience
● Excellent written and spoken English
● At least 1 year of relevant end-to-end US payroll experience
● Willingness to work on a hybrid schedule aligned with New York business hours
● Experience working with outsourced payroll providers
● Proficient in payroll calculations and hands-on processing
● Highly organized, meticulous about details
● Self-starter capable of working independently
● Able to anticipate needs and suggest improvements confidently
● Demonstrates discretion and integrity in handling confidential data
● Strong interpersonal and customer service skills
● Comfortable working with individuals at all levels of an organization
● Proficient in MS Excel and Google Drive
● Flexibility to collaborate across time zones

Preferred experience
● Background or degree or equivalent experience in Accounting, Finance, or a related field
● Experience with payroll systems in a similar capacity
● Proficiency in Workday HRIS
● Familiarity with shared services environments

What’s in it for you? Our benefits
Our benefits vary by location, but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, health coverage, 401(k) and company match, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.

We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person camaraderie and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

Accessibility
We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email [email protected] and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Further information
To ensure pay fairness, the successful candidate will be offered a salary based on a number of considerations including but not limited to: skills; experience and training; certifications; and other business and organizational needs.

At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may use AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications.

Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be supervised to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.