Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior International Payroll Specialist - EMEA & APAC
at Workiva
🏢 About Workiva
Workiva is a leader in integrated ESG reporting, helping organizations streamline climate impact and compliance. Their focus on sustainability and transparency makes them a mission-driven employer, and their remote-first culture offers flexibility and global collaboration.
About This Role
As a Senior International Payroll Specialist for EMEA & APAC, you'll manage payroll data across multiple countries, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Your work directly supports employee satisfaction and regulatory adherence, making you a key partner between Finance, People & Culture, and external providers.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day starts by checking payroll deadlines and emails from external providers across EMEA/APAC. You'll audit payroll results for accuracy, collaborate with Finance on reconciliations, and address employee queries via Slack or email. Afternoons might involve updating processes in Workday or preparing data for a new country implementation.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Workiva Is Looking For
- Has 4+ years of international payroll experience, ideally in a public company with multi-country EMEA/APAC exposure.
- Possesses deep knowledge of local payroll regulations and practices across EMEA and APAC regions.
- Is proficient in Workday and CloudPay, or similar global payroll systems, and can quickly adapt to new tools.
- Demonstrates strong analytical skills for auditing payroll results and collaborating cross-functionally with Finance and HR teams.
📝 Tips for Applying to Workiva
Highlight experience with Workday and CloudPay explicitly in your resume and cover letter, as these are highly valued.
Provide specific examples of managing payroll for multiple EMEA/APAC countries, including any challenges with compliance.
Show how you've partnered with Finance and HR teams to improve payroll processes or resolve employee issues.
Tailor your application to reflect Workiva's ESG focus—mention any experience with sustainability or reporting if applicable.
Emphasize your ability to work remotely and independently, as this role is fully remote.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your international payroll expertise across EMEA and APAC, with concrete examples of countries handled.', "Experience with Workday and CloudPay, and how you've used them to ensure accuracy and efficiency.", 'Your collaborative approach with cross-functional teams (Finance, People & Culture) to drive payroll excellence.', "Alignment with Workiva's mission of transparency and compliance, and how your role supports that."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Understand Workiva's ESG reporting platform and how it integrates with payroll for compliance.
- → Review Workiva's company culture and remote work policies to align your responses.
- → Familiarize yourself with common payroll regulations in key EMEA/APAC countries (e.g., UK, Germany, Australia).
- → Look into Workiva's recent news or financial performance to show interest in the company's growth.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't overlook the importance of ESG—failing to connect payroll compliance to transparency could seem misaligned.
- Avoid vague descriptions of international experience; be specific about countries and systems used.
- Don't underestimate the remote aspect—highlight your self-discipline and communication skills.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!