We are seeking an experienced Expatriate Payroll Senior Associate to support and manage global expatriate payroll and shadow payroll operations in our Houston, TX office. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery for internationally mobile employees and serves as a key contact for client payroll matters.This position is designed as a developmental role with a clear and accelerated path to Manager, offering exposure to complex international payroll matters, process improvement initiatives, and team leadership responsibilities.Key Responsibilities
Manage expatriate payroll processing, including shadow payroll calculations and compliance requirements across multiple jurisdictions
Support the delivery of accurate, compliant, and timely payroll operations for assigned clients
Act as a primary point of contact for payroll inquiries, issue resolution, and coordination with clients
Coordinate payroll inputs, approvals, validations, and reconciliations
Partner closely with internal stakeholders and other responsible team members to ensure end‑to‑end payroll accuracy
Support payroll reconciliations, quarterly and annual reviews, and variance analysis
Contribute to automation, standardization, and process improvement initiatives within expatriate payroll operations
Support payroll implementations, system upgrades, and integrations
Document and improve payroll workflows and controls
Provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff, supporting their technical and professional development
Education, Training & Experience
3+ years of payroll experience, including exposure to international or expatriate payroll
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience
Demonstrated experience supporting payroll implementations, transitions, or upgrades
Strong problem‑solving and troubleshooting skills with the ability to exercise sound and mature judgment
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced, client‑facing environment
Interest in people development and mentoring junior team members
Additional language skills are a plus
Technical Skills
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including:
Pivot tables
VLOOKUP / data analysis
Payroll reconciliation models
Payroll software experience required; Thomson Reuters ACS experience is a strong plus
Career Development & Growth
Senior‑level role with high visibility across global mobility and payroll leadership
Clear and accelerated progression toward a Manager position based on performance
Opportunity to influence payroll process design, automation, and standardization initiatives
Continuous learning through exposure to complex international payroll matters and global clients
Why This RoleThis role is ideal for a payroll professional who:
Enjoys solving complex international payroll challenges
Wants client interaction combined with technical ownership
Is ready to move beyond execution into leadership, mentoring, and process ownership
Is looking for a clear path to management within a global mobility expatriate tax practice
Benefits: We understand that talented individuals are drawn to companies that offer comprehensive benefits packages. Therefore, we provide a robust Benefits Plan that includes:
401K plan (with up to 5% salary paid employer contributions)
Medical coverage
Paid Dental coverage
Employee and Dependent life insurance
Disability insurance
Vision insurance
Accidental death & dismemberment insurance
Flexible spending accounts
Paid Day of Service annually
Flexible work arrangements
Generous paid time off – 25 days for all full-time employees!
Paid holiday
Additional paid holiday following 4/15 deadline
Paid parking/public transportation reimbursement
Mobile phone reimbursement
Tuition reimbursement & training
Paid time off on days sitting for CPA Exam
Monetary bonus for passing the US CPA exam
Why RÖDL?
We keep our employees current by supplying cutting-edge technology and access to learning opportunities
We invest in the growth of our team members through regular feedback sessions
We recharge as a team by celebrating deadlines and gathering at organized firm events
We applaud the achievement of both career and personal milestones for individual team members on a firm-wide basis
What makes the culture at RÖDL USA unique? Unlike firms that may hint at an international work environment, RÖDL USA offers a truly global workplace. Every day, RÖDL employees are immersed in a diverse intercultural setting where it's common to hear colleagues or clients speaking different languages, sharing cultural traditions from their home countries, or explaining unique perspectives. Whether a team member is from the US or abroad, this inclusive culture supports the global vision established at our worldwide headquarters in Nuremberg, Germany, and drives the Firm’s success in the international marketplace. Stay up-to-date on the happenings at Rödl & Partner USA by following us on LinkedIn: LinkedIn - Rödl & Partner USA Take the first step in ‘ACHIEVING’ together with Rödl & Partner by visiting our Careers Page:Careers | Rödl & PartnerGet to Know RÖDL:Our focus on the accounting, assurance, and tax needs of foreign, family-owned midsized ("Mittelstand") businesses operating in the U.S. carries forward from our two founding firms. Rödl & Partner (founded in 1977 in Nuremberg, Germany) and Langford de Kock & Co. (founded in 1976 in Atlanta, GA) and their merger in 2001.
As the preferred accounting, auditing, tax and business consulting professional services firm of German- speaking and other international entities, you will benefit from the extensive experience of our U.S. certified public accountants, as well as our bilingual staff of professionals, many of whom also carry international certifications (StB, WP, Dottori Commercialisti, CA).At RÖDL, our integrated approach to client success revolves around collaboration. We prioritize internal synergy, ensuring seamless integration across departments to guarantee holistic client support. Additionally, our thorough oversight involves equipping managers and seniors with the necessary tools for effective performance and deadline adherence. These principles underscore our commitment to excellence in client service.Rödl Management, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. #LI-Onsite#LI-CF1
