Luke Stratford

Accomplished Global Payroll Implementation & Systems Consultant with over 15 years of experience leading cross-border system deployments, software migrations, and end-to-end operational rollouts across North America, the UK, Europe, and APAC. Proven expertise in guiding organizations through complex HRIS and payroll transformations, optimizing platform integrations (Workday, ADP, Ultipro), and managing high-stakes vendor and stakeholder relationships. Skilled in translating complex business requirements into scalable global solutions, ensuring strict SOX compliance, and driving digital efficiency through AI-powered process automation.

Global Payroll Implementation Lead (International Payroll Lead) at AFFIRM (2024-01 – Present)

• Lead end-to-end global payroll deployment initiatives across 6 international jurisdictions, managing country-specific configuration, testing, and operational go-lives.
• Directed the evaluation, selection, and vendor onboarding for international payroll providers (EY and BlueMarble), improving regional process efficiency and compliance.
• Architected and launched full-cycle country setups in the Netherlands and Australia, establishing local compliance frameworks, banking feeds, and operational workflows.
• Deployed AI-driven automation workflows to accelerate the drafting of standardized implementation playbooks and regional compliance documentation, cutting project prep time by 40%.
• Built automated AI anomaly-detection models to validate cross-border data imports and audit third-party vendor interface files prior to system sign-off.
• Serve as primary consultant and escalation point for internal cross-functional partners (HR, Finance, Legal, Engineering) on global expansion projects.

Senior Payroll Implementation & Systems Analyst at AFFIRM (2022-04 – 2023-12)

• Co-led the strategic system migration from Ultipro to Workday, acting as functional domain expert for data mapping, parallel testing, and post-go-live support.
• Successfully integrated payroll and benefits architecture following the corporate merger of PayBright and Affirm Canada Holdings Ltd., consolidating redundant processes.
• Managed end-to-end Canadian operations (400+ employees) including complex equity and RSU setups while ensuring strict alignment with SOX controls.

Office Manager (Contract) at MATTAGAMI METALS INC (2022-11 – 2023-02)

• Managed invoicing, accounts payable, payroll, and delivered exceptional customer service.
• Successfully launched the company website and social media presence, significantly improving online visibility.

Implementation & Payroll Consultant (Payroll Analyst) at COLLAGE HR (2020-08 – 2022-02)

• Partnered directly with diverse client portfolios to design, configure, and deploy tailored cloud payroll solutions.
• Led end-to-end client onboarding, conducting discovery sessions, system setup, data migrations, and comprehensive user training sessions.
• Advised external bookkeepers and client HR teams on platform best practices, compliance standards, and workflow optimization.

Payroll Operations Specialist (Payroll Administrator) at CBI HEALTH GROUP (2020-02 – 2020-07)

• Managed salaried and hourly operations on the Ultipro platform, driving process improvements during organizational restructuring.
• Administered employee benefits, calculated sick and vacation pay, processed manual checks, and completed year-end documentation (T4s, T4As).

Senior Payroll Systems Analyst (Senior Payroll Analyst) at ROYAL BANK OF CANADA (2019-10 – 2020-02)

• Managed shadow payroll setups and cross-border UK/Channel Islands operations for 2,500 employees, ensuring compliance across international borders.
• Maintained accurate General Ledger (GL) reconciliation, ensured strict adherence to SOX regulations, and acted as key liaison for HR/payroll audits and vendors.

Payroll Implementation & Business Consultant at PAY PACKET LTD (2019-04 – 2019-08)

• Conducted operational audits and process re-engineering for client accounts, increasing operational accuracy from 98.1% to 99.3%.
• Acted as turnaround consultant for high-risk accounts, diagnosing system/process gaps and restoring client trust.

Payroll Onboarding Specialist & Executive at THE ACCESS GROUP (2018-02 – 2019-04)

• Managed software deployments and ongoing support for enterprise clients (up to 50,000 employees) on the Selima platform.
• Successfully onboarded enterprise accounts and implemented retention strategies that preserved 4,500+ at-risk client relationships.

Managed Services Team Lead & Consultant (Payroll Manager) at MHR (MIDLAND HR) (2014-01 – 2018-02)

• Supervised a team of 8 specialists delivering high-volume managed payroll solutions and software rollouts.
• Consulted with enterprise clients to roll out new product modules, upselling additional functional services and software options.

Operations Manager & Payroll Specialist at CINEWORLD (2008-02 – 2014-01)

• Oversaw comprehensive operations for one of the UK's busiest cinema sites.
• Managed bi-weekly payroll for over 280 employees and handled cash office duties.
• Led regional training initiatives and successfully implemented new stock and retail systems.

Business Certificate – City College Nottingham