Payroll Specialist EMEA (m/f/d)

About Alvarez & Marsal

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a global consulting firm known for an entrepreneurial, hands-on way of working and a strong focus on practical results. The business values independent thinkers and people who take action, and it aims to help clients unlock their potential through collaborative, impactful work. Its culture is built around Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity.

The Team

This position comes with a high degree of autonomy, while still being backed by a colleague in Germany and the centralized EMEA payroll team, plus support from HR, Benefits, Finance, and global stakeholders. It is a strong opportunity to demonstrate technical payroll expertise and leadership in an international, collaborative payroll setting within a global payroll function.

Role Overview

The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for accurate and timely payroll delivery for more than 450 employees, with the team expected to expand further. Alongside local payroll duties, the role also supports other EMEA payrolls when needed, contributes to the Global Payroll Transformation Project, and manages relationships with external service providers. The role suits someone who enjoys variety, streamlined processes, and innovative ways of improving payroll operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Own the full payroll cycle for Germany and Austria, and potentially additional countries, making sure pay runs are correct, punctual, and compliant with local laws, statutory rules, and internal policies.
• Prepare legally required payroll records and registration or deregistration paperwork, including termination documents and employment confirmations.
• Follow payroll cut-off timelines and ensure deadlines are met with both the payroll provider and business partners.
• Coordinate year-end payroll activities, including annual tax statements and statutory compliance reports for each country.
• Partner with the payroll provider and internal payroll leadership to ensure legislative updates are implemented on time.
• Confirm that all necessary approvals are in place before payroll finalization and salary payment requests are submitted.
• Check that the correct foreign exchange rates are updated whenever salary or bonus payments need to be converted.
• Keep payroll legislation and internal policy knowledge current.
• Serve as the main point of contact for payroll questions from employees, the business, tax authorities, pension and statutory benefit providers, and payroll vendors, resolving issues quickly and maintaining service quality.
• Produce month-end payroll reporting for Finance and help Accounting reconcile payroll-related balances, reports, and audit requests.
• Drive ongoing payroll process improvements, with a strong emphasis on controls, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Support the digitisation and evolution of payroll processes through the Global Payroll Integrator Project and other initiatives.
• Work closely with The People Team, Finance, and other stakeholders to maintain a professional, efficient, and trusted payroll service.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience running German payroll, with solid knowledge of legislation, social security rules, collective bargaining provisions, and benefits regulations; experience with other European countries is an advantage.
• Prior exposure to working with local payroll providers and handling external vendor relationships.
• Strong MS Office skills, especially Excel, for analysis and reporting.
• German fluency and the ability to speak and write in English; additional languages are beneficial.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, strong attention to detail, and comfort handling confidential information.
• Customer-focused mindset with a proactive, flexible, and adaptable approach, plus the ability to solve payroll-related issues effectively.
• Well-developed organisational and time management skills to juggle multiple payrolls and deadlines.
• Experience in a fast-moving, growing environment and working across time zones.
• Ability to work well both independently and as part of a team.
• Resilience and flexibility to adapt to changing payroll needs across EMEA countries.

Development and Culture

A&M places strong emphasis on employee growth, continuous learning, and merit-based progression. Team members benefit from structured performance development, training, and on-the-job learning that support both professional and personal advancement. The company highlights a culture of entrepreneurship, meaningful contribution, and shared success, with well-being resources and benefits designed to support people throughout their journey.

Culture & Values

Alvarez & Marsal’s working principles are Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity. These values shape a culture where people are trusted early, encouraged to take ownership, and empowered to deliver meaningful outcomes while respecting diverse viewpoints. The organisation emphasizes doing the right thing, acting with integrity, and making a real difference.

Equal Opportunity Employer

A&M provides equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and all other terms and conditions of employment. Decisions are made without discrimination based on race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex or gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, disability, family medical history, genetic information, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Unsolicited Resumes from Third-Party Recruiters

As a matter of policy, A&M does not accept unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters unless those recruiters have been formally engaged for a specific vacancy. Any agency, person, or organisation that sends an unsolicited resume understands that A&M may hire the candidate directly at its own discretion, without any fee being owed to the sender.