Gina Marie Walker has built a career defined by precision, perseverance, and a deep commitment to elevating the payroll profession through excellence and mentorship. Born in New Haven, she has earned recognition as an accomplished expert in payroll, known for improving systems, strengthening compliance, and developing cohesive, high-performing teams. Over the course of her 17-year career, she has consistently demonstrated the leadership and technical expertise necessary to guide complex payroll operations with accuracy and integrity.
Ms. Walker works as the manager of payroll North America at Howden, overseeing the end-to-end payroll process for five distinct entities. In this capacity, she manages process documentation and optimization, resolves issues stemming from the initial payroll software implementation, enhances company compliance and consolidates payroll operations. She leads a team of four payroll processors, fostering professional growth through mentorship and guidance. Her commitment to operational excellence has positioned Howden’s payroll function as a model of efficiency and reliability.
Ms. Walker’s educational background provided a strong foundation for her professional success. She earned a master’s degree in public administration with a concentration in health care and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Fairleigh Dickinson University. These academic achievements equipped her with a deep understanding of financial processes and regulatory compliance, strengthening her ability to manage the intricate responsibilities of payroll administration.
Before joining Howden, Ms. Walker was the United States tax payroll manager at EY, managing complex payroll tax matters and ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions. Her expertise in navigating intricate tax regulations promoted accuracy and efficiency, contributing to the organization’s reputation for reliability in payroll management.
Earlier in her career, Ms. Walker held the role of payroll manager at Aspen Insurance Group, streamlining payroll operations and implementing process improvements that enhanced timeliness and precision. She later worked in the same capacity at ORBCOMM, managing payroll for a diverse workforce and optimizing systems in alignment with evolving labor regulations. These experiences reinforced her reputation as a results-oriented leader who combines analytical insight with practical solutions.
Ms. Walker’s professional journey began as payroll coordinator at Open Society Foundations, contributing to the development of internal controls that improved payroll accuracy and compliance. She gained her first exposure to financial operations as an administrative assistant to the chief financial officer and vice president of finance at Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut. During that time, she was encouraged to learn every aspect of the finance department, an experience that revealed her passion for payroll and set her on a dedicated career path focused on advancing payroll systems and standards.
Ms. Walker’s technical expertise is supported by professional certifications that demonstrate her mastery of the field. She earned the fundamental payroll certification from the American Payroll Association, followed by the certified payroll professional designation from PayrollOrg and the American Payroll Association. Attaining both credentials in rapid succession stands among her proudest achievements, highlighting her determination and commitment to professional excellence.
Ms. Walker maintains active membership in several professional organizations, including the North Jersey American Payroll Association, PayrollOrg and the New York Metropolitan Chapter of the American Payroll Association. Her involvement in these associations keeps her informed on emerging trends, expands her professional network and allows her to contribute to the continued advancement of payroll best practices.
Ms. Walker credits much of her success to the women who have guided and inspired her throughout her journey. Early in her career, a manager encouraged her to join the New York Metro chapter of the American Payroll Association, where she met a mentor with more than three decades of experience in payroll. That mentor’s influence helped shape her leadership style and professional philosophy, fostering her belief in mentorship as a vital component of career growth.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Ms. Walker is dedicated to community service. She volunteers with Special Pals, reflecting her belief in giving back and supporting causes that promote compassion and well-being. Looking ahead, she aims to continue transforming Howden’s payroll process to achieve even greater levels of efficiency and compliance. She envisions advancing into a director-level role within payroll or operations, collaborating with departments such as benefits, talent acquisition and legal. Ultimately, she hopes to apply her expertise within a government organization, furthering innovation and excellence in payroll management.