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Senior Manager, Payroll and Compensation Tax

Caterpillar · Peoria, IL · $147,760–$221,640 a year · Full time

Posted Oct 5, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Tell me about a payroll tax error you found and fixed. How did you prevent it from happening again?

What they are checking: Their risk management and process improvement mindset on payroll tax compliance.

How do you develop the tax professionals on your team?

What they are checking: Whether they invest in their team's growth, as the posting describes.

How do you stay current with changing payroll and employment tax rules?

What they are checking: Whether they have real habits for tracking regulatory change in a fast-moving area.

Tell me about a time you explained a complex tax issue to someone outside tax, like Payroll or Legal.

What they are checking: Whether they communicate technical tax matters clearly to business partners.

What would you do

HR wants to launch a new benefit or bonus program. How do you advise them on tax implications?

What they are checking: Whether they can be a practical business partner who flags tax issues early.

How would you find and prioritize process improvements in payroll tax operations?

What they are checking: Whether they use data and risk to choose where improvements matter most.

About the work

Walk me through the tax treatment of equity compensation like RSUs, including withholding and reporting.

What they are checking: Their depth on compensation tax, a core part of supporting a large public company.

How do you handle payroll tax for employees who work in multiple states or move during the year?

What they are checking: Whether they understand multi-state withholding and mobility tax issues the posting names.

How do you manage a payroll or tax vendor to make sure filings are accurate and on time?

What they are checking: Their vendor management skills, which the role specifically calls out.

What's your approach to handling expatriate and global mobility tax issues?

What they are checking: Their knowledge of tax equalization and cross-border payroll for mobile employees.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Caterpillar.

Career Area: Finance Job Description: Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc. When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it. As a Senior Manager, Payroll and Compensation Tax within Caterpillar's Global Tax organization, you will lead U.S. payroll and compensation tax activities while serving as a strategic business partner across the enterprise. This role provides tax advisory and compliance support to Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, Treasury, Legal, and business teams on a broad range of payroll, employment, compensation, and mobility-related tax matters. The successful candidate will combine accounting, technical tax expertise, leadership capabilities, vendor management and business acumen to support business initiatives, manage tax risk, drive process improvements, and develop tax professionals in a dynamic global environment. This role is part of Caterpillar's Global Tax team and supports enterprise-wide payroll and compensation tax strategies. The responsibilities align with the Compensation Tax organization's scope supporting payroll tax compliance, information reporting, international assignee programs, and business traveler initiatives. What You Will Do: • Lead and develop a small team by providing coaching, mentoring, technical guidance, and development opportunities. • Provide payroll and compensation tax advisory support to business partners on employee programs, payroll processes, legal settlements, mergers and acquisitions, business traveler activities, and other tax-related matters. • Oversee U.S. federal, state, and local payroll tax compliance, including employment tax filings, information reporting, tax payments, amended returns, and related compliance processes. • Manage responses to payroll tax notices, audits, examinations, and inquiries from taxing authorities. • Manage outsourced vendor relationships and software utilized including the following for U.S. tax compliance • ADP MasterTax Administration: Payroll tax compliance and payment payments. • Sovos Information Reporting: Manage Form 1099 reporting and compliance activities • Research and analyze tax legislation, regulatory developments, and emerging tax issues to determine business impacts and recommend practical solutions. • Partner with Payroll, Human Resources, Finance, Treasury, Accounting, Legal, and external advisors to evaluate tax implications of business decisions and operational activities. • Subject Matter Expert on the multi-year cross functional Global Payroll Transformation project. • Support payroll tax accounting activities, including reconciliations, journal entries, accruals, and forecasting processes. • Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on simplifying processes, improving data quality, strengthening controls, and leveraging digital capabilities. • Support enterprise objectives through effective risk management, process standardization, and stakeholder collaboration. • Influence business decisions and drive successful outcomes through technical expertise, business partnership, and effective communication. What You Have: • Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, Tax, Business, or a related field and 8+ years of progressively responsible tax, payroll tax, accounting, or finance experience. • Tax Operations: Knowledge of federal, state, and local tax regulations with experience supporting tax compliance, reporting, audits, and operational processes. • Tax Advisory: Ability to evaluate tax consequences, communicate recommendations, and support business partners on complex tax matters. • Research Analysis: Strong analytical and research capabilities with experience interpreting legislation, regulations, and technical guidance. • Effective Communications: Ability to communicate complex tax concepts clearly and effectively to a wide range of audiences while influencing decision-making. • Business Acumen: Understanding of how tax decisions impact business operations, financial results, risk management, and strategic objectives. • Leadership: Experience leading teams, developing talent, managing priorities, managing projects and driving results through collaboration and accountability. • Problem Solving: Demonstrated ability to analyze issues, evaluate alternatives, and develop practical business solutions. Top Candidates Will Have: • CPA certification, IRS Enrolled Agent (EA) designation, or progress toward obtaining a professional credential. • Experience within a Fortune 500 or multinational organization. • Payroll tax, employment tax, compensation tax, vendor management, or global mobility tax experience. • Experience supporting federal, state, and local tax audits and controversy matters. • Experience leading process improvement, automation, or digital transformation initiatives. • Experience collaborating across Human Resources, Payroll, Finance, Legal, and accounting functions. • Knowledge of payroll systems, financial systems, data analytics, and reporting tools. Summary Pay Range: $147,760.00 - $221,640.00 Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar. Benefits: Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits. • Medical, dental, and vision benefits* • Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)* • 401(k) savings plans* • Health Savings Account (HSA)* • Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)* • Health Lifestyle Programs* • Employee Assistance Program* • Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts* • Career Development* • Incentive bonus* • Disability benefits • Life Insurance • Parental leave • Adoption benefits • Tuition Reimbursement * These benefits also apply to part-time employees This position requires working onsite five days a week. Relocation is available for this position. Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. Posting Dates: October 5, 2026 - October 16, 2026 Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen. Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply. Not ready to apply? Join our Talent Community .

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