Payroll Specialist

Job Description Summary
As a Payroll Specialist within the Payroll Center of Excellence (COE), you will be responsible for the end-to-end delivery of payroll and benefits processes for multiple European countries. Acting as the primary point of contact for our payroll vendor, you will oversee the accurate submission of payroll input, perform output validation, and ensure compliance with complex European legislative requirements. You will drive data integrity, resolve operational issues, and support process improvements while fostering "Best in Class" service across the organization.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

• Vendor Management: Act as the primary interface between the company and the outsourced payroll provider. Manage payroll inputs, validate output files, and ensure all payroll and benefit cycles are completed on time and with high accuracy.
• Operational Execution: Support accurate and timely payroll processing across one or multiple countries and business units.
• Data Integrity & Analysis: Review payroll registers (earnings, deductions, taxes) for completeness before disbursement. Develop and maintain payroll procedures, process documentation, SOPs, and knowledge materials. Monitor payroll SLA's and identify recurring errors or operational risks. Ensure all service level agreements (SLAs) are met with a professional and customer-centric approach.
• Continuous Improvement: Support payroll system implementations, upgrades, integrations, testing, and change initiatives.
• Stakeholder Support: Manage and resolve payroll queries from employees, managers, and HRMs. Work closely external payroll providers and local payroll teams.
• Compliance: Develop an understanding of legislative rules and internal policies, ensuring all operations align with the defined framework. Perform or support payroll reconciliations, audits, controls, and data-quality checks

• Education: Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (or a high school diploma/equivalent with significant, proven experience).
• Experience: 3+ years of relevant experience in international payroll, specifically within the European region.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in HR, payroll and time & attendance systems (experience with Strada processes is highly preferred). Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Language: Professional proficiency in English (additional European languages are a strong asset).
• Competencies:
  • Strong analytical aptitude and high attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to work cross-functionally.
  • Ability to troubleshoot payroll issues and manage multiple deadlines simultaneously.

• Demonstrated ability to document, plan, and execute programs effectively.
• Strong customer service mindset with the ability to explain technical payroll concepts to non-technical stakeholders.