Payroll Expert / Regional Payroll Expert

Role overview

This opportunity is for a Payroll Expert / Regional Payroll Expert on behalf of a client that is expanding quickly in consulting and technology. The organization supports major accounts with digital transformation, data, technology platforms, and IT services.

The group has recently acquired an international business focused on sensitive IT services and critical technology platforms. Because of that transition, the payroll function is being built out for the GCE region, covering Germany and Central Europe. The role sits at the intersection of control, compliance, and operational structuring, while also adapting established processes to a more entrepreneurial environment.

Reporting to the HR Country GCE lead, you will be responsible for payroll production, checks, compliance, and personnel administration across Germany and the CEE scope. You will collaborate with local HR Business Partners, Finance, and external payroll vendors. This is a regional specialist role rather than a standard payroll administrator position, with strong emphasis on governance, quality control, and provider oversight.

Core responsibilities

• Prepare, validate, and close monthly payroll cycles for each entity and country, including gathering variable inputs, running consistency reviews, and finalizing payroll.
• Review the output of local payroll vendors and conduct control checks such as reconciliations and variance analysis.
• Administer bank transfers and monitor payments across different currencies.
• Manage compliance matters tied to withholding tax, social security, local levies, and statutory reporting documents.
• Address payroll consequences of international mobility, including expatriate arrangements, tax withholding agreements, and tax and social security calculations under local rules.
• Lead payroll audits, handle inquiries from authorities, and drive corrective measures where needed.
• Create, update, and maintain SOPs, RACI matrices, internal control documentation, and training assets.
• Ensure payroll activities respect GDPR requirements and other applicable local data protection rules.
• Support monthly and annual close activities, including reconciliations, payroll journal entries, and provisions for vacation and bonuses.

Candidate profile

The employer is looking for a professional with a bachelor’s degree in HR, Finance, or Business Administration and at least 5 years of hands-on payroll experience, especially within Germany. Exposure to payroll operations in other European countries, particularly CEE markets, would be a strong advantage.

The right candidate should have strong knowledge of German payroll compliance, including income tax, social security, and statutory reporting, along with familiarity with international mobility topics. Experience with at least one HRIS or global payroll platform, such as Workday Payroll, SAP SuccessFactors, ADP Global, NGA, Ramco, Papaya Global, or CloudPay, is important, as is the ability to work with system integrations.

Advanced Excel skills and the ability to work with analytical tools for reconciliations and multi-currency consolidation are required. Knowledge of international banking processes, foreign exchange principles, and their payroll impact is also needed. Previous experience managing service providers, including SLA, KPI, and contract oversight, is expected. German must be at native level for communication with local authorities, and professional English is required for coordination with the group and CEE countries.

Why this role stands out

• It offers a shaping role in a high-importance carve-out and integration environment.
• You will help build a regional payroll function with significant autonomy and a multi-country remit.
• The position sits in a fast-moving, demanding setting with an agile mindset and strong international growth ambitions.