Lead Payroll Compliance Analyst

Department: Product

Location: UK: Central England Remote

Employment Type: FullTime

The role & impact

In this key role, you will take ownership of regulatory compliance across a complex product area, ensuring our solutions effectively solve core compliance needs for our small business customers. You will act as a primary strategic advisor to product teams and senior leaders, shaping the regulatory roadmap and guiding how legislative shifts influence our long-term vision.

Working closely with large engineering teams, you will act as a trusted technical peer to sign off on overall compliance architecture. Your work will balance nuanced compliance questions with strategic trade offs, directly enabling Xero to deliver seamless, regulation-ready products that empower small businesses globally.

The team & how they connect

You will join a collaborative network of compliance experts who sit at the intersection of product, engineering, and product risk. The team regularly connects with both internal technology leaders and external regulatory or trade bodies to align on industry standards. Together, we focus on proactive risk mitigation, sharing craft knowledge, and mentoring one another to deliver exceptional outcomes.

Initially, the role will focus on

• Translating complex regulatory changes into clear, high-level insights and product requirements.

• Partnering with engineering teams to review and sign off on compliance architecture for upcoming launches.

• Managing multiple regulatory projects across various time horizons while navigating scope trade-offs.

• Engaging directly with key external regulatory and trade bodies to represent product compliance interests.

Where and how you can work

We offer flexible options for remote and hybrid working, providing the space and tools you need to balance your work and home life. While you will have autonomy over your schedule, our modern office spaces are available for regular team collaboration, planning, and company boost days.

Here are some of the things we are looking for

• Professional membership with a recognized accounting, bookkeeping, or payroll association, supported by a relevant qualification.

• Strong expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks (such as Tax, Accounting, or Reporting) and guiding implementations.

• Excellent communication skills, particularly in translating technical regulatory details into simple recommendations for technology and product leaders.

• A methodical approach to analytical research alongside an eye for detail and confident decision-making.

• Great self-management skills with a knack for prioritizing your time across both independent and collaborative work.

• Passion for upskilling others, sharing knowledge, and acting as a supportive mentor across the business.

Apply even if your experience isnt a perfect match! At Xero, we hire based on your skills, passion, and the unique perspective you can bring to enhance our culture and team.