Payroll Manager

About the Role

Our client, a renowned digitally advanced payroll and HR service provider, is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead a team of 8 payroll specialists in Berlin. This role demands a combination of direct hands-on experience with German payroll practices and strong leadership capabilities. You will manage daily payroll operations, guarantee precise and punctual monthly payroll processing, assist your team with complex payroll matters, and play an active role in the digital transformation and process enhancement of payroll functions. This position requires significant personal involvement with German payroll procedures, including payroll tax and social security regulations, alongside proven team management experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of 8 payroll experts.
• Manage and ensure the smooth execution of daily payroll operations and monthly payroll cycles.
• Provide expert support to the team on complex payroll queries and serve as a primary contact for payroll systems and workflows.
• Ensure payroll activities meet accuracy standards, legal compliance, and timely completion.
• Apply in-depth understanding of German payroll tax laws and social security regulations in everyday tasks.
• Champion automation, standardization, and ongoing improvements within payroll processes.
• Collaborate with IT to implement and integrate modern digital payroll solutions.
• Participate in cross-departmental initiatives aimed at scaling payroll operations and optimizing workflows.
• Work closely with HR, Sales, Support, and Software Development teams.
• Contribute to the evolution and enhancement of the payroll department and its processes.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of three years leading a payroll team.
• At least two years of practical experience handling German payroll processing.
• Strong expertise in German payroll tax and social security legislation.
• Proven track record in managing or overseeing regular German payroll runs independently.
• Proficiency with payroll software applications.
• German language skills at C1 level (both spoken and written).
• Completed commercial apprenticeship or an equivalent qualification.

Desired Attributes

• Proactive and hands-on leadership style.
• Analytical thinker with a focus on problem-solving.
• Customer-service focused and dependable.
• Ability to assume responsibility and confidently make decisions.
• Passionate about refining and digitizing existing payroll procedures.
• Supportive leader who values team and personnel development.

Note

Applicants without substantial hands-on experience in German payroll, especially those with mainly administrative HR or project backgrounds, will not be considered.

Benefits and Work Conditions

• Annual gross salary ranging from €55,000 to €65,000.
• Permanent full-time employment.
• Standard workweek of 40 hours.
• 28 days of annual vacation entitlement.
• Flexible working hours with flexitime options.
• Hybrid work setup allowing up to two days of remote work per week.
• Modern office facilities plus home-office equipment provision.
• Monthly net benefits of €100 for mobility, meals, and miscellaneous expenses.
• Holiday and Christmas bonuses.
• Corporate wellness programs, including yoga and wellbeing initiatives.
• Company outings, team-building events, and game nights.
• Regular opportunities for internal and external training and development.
• Flat organizational structure promoting a high level of autonomy and decision-making.
• Active role in shaping and advancing payroll processes within a modern, digitally focused management culture.

Location and Travel

Main office location is Berlin – Ostseestraße, with alternative sites available in Bernau bei Berlin, Leipzig, and Nürnberg. The role involves hybrid working with up to two days per week remote. Occasional travel is expected, approximately weekly to Bernau, with some travel to Leipzig or Nürnberg on occasion.

Recruitment Process

• A 30-minute virtual interview with Human Resources.
• An on-site interview with Managing Directors based in Berlin or Bernau.