Payroll Specialist EMEA (m/f/d)

About Alvarez & Marsal

Alvarez & Marsal is an international consulting firm known for a practical, hands-on style and a strong focus on outcomes. The company values people who think independently, take initiative, and help clients move forward. Its culture is built around Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity, creating an environment where collaboration and engaging work go hand in hand.

The team

This position provides a high degree of autonomy while still having strong support from a colleague in Germany, the central EMEA payroll function, and teams across HR, Benefits, Finance, and the wider global business. It is a good opportunity for someone who wants to demonstrate technical depth and leadership in a cooperative, international payroll setting as part of a global payroll organisation.

Role overview

The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for accurate and timely payroll delivery for more than 450 employees, with headcount expected to increase. Alongside the core German and Austrian payroll responsibilities, the role will also support other EMEA payrolls when needed, contribute to global payroll transformation work, and coordinate with external vendors. The position suits someone who enjoys solving new challenges, working within a supportive process framework, and helping improve payroll through innovative approaches.

Key responsibilities

• Run the full payroll cycle for Germany and Austria, with the possibility of supporting additional countries, making sure all payments are correct, punctual, and aligned with local laws, statutory rules, and company policies.
• Prepare mandatory payroll documents required by law, including termination paperwork and employment confirmations in line with local regulations.
• Track payroll deadlines carefully and ensure all cut-off dates are met by the payroll provider and business partners.
• Lead year-end payroll activities, including annual tax statements and country-specific compliance reports.
• Work closely with the payroll provider and internal payroll management to make sure legislative updates are implemented without delay.
• Obtain the necessary approvals for payroll finalisation and payment instructions.
• Confirm that the correct foreign exchange rates are loaded whenever salaries or bonuses need to be paid in another currency.
• Keep payroll legislation and internal policy knowledge current at all times.
• Serve as the main point of contact for payroll-related questions from employees, the business, tax authorities, pension and statutory benefits providers, and payroll vendors, ensuring quick resolution and a high service standard.
• Prepare monthly payroll reports for Finance and assist Accounting with payroll account reconciliations, reporting, and audit requests.
• Support ongoing payroll process improvements, with a strong emphasis on controls, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Take part in the continued digitalisation and development of payroll processes through the Global Payroll Integrator Project or similar initiatives.
• Work closely with the People Team, Finance, and other stakeholders to maintain a professional, efficient, and trusted payroll service.

Requirements

• Prior experience handling German payroll, with a solid understanding of legislation, social security rules, collective bargaining provisions, and employee benefits regulations; experience with other European countries is an advantage.
• Experience working with local payroll providers and managing external vendor relationships.
• Strong working knowledge of MS Office, especially Excel, for analysis and reporting.
• Fluency in German, plus the ability to speak and write in English; additional languages are beneficial.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, strong attention to detail, and experience handling confidential information.
• Ability to deliver strong customer service, stay proactive and flexible, adapt quickly, and solve problems effectively when payroll questions or issues arise.
• Well-developed organisational and time management abilities to juggle multiple payrolls and deadlines.
• Experience in a fast-moving, growing environment and working across time zones.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.
• Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to respond to changing payroll needs across different EMEA countries.

Additional information

The role is based in Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, Germany and is a full-time onsite position. The company emphasises learning, development, and career progression through structured performance development, training, and on-the-job learning. It also highlights employee well-being and provides benefits and resources to support personal development and overall experience. The organisation describes its environment as entrepreneurial, merit-based, and collaborative, with growth opportunities for strong performers.

What you can expect

This role offers the chance to work in an international payroll environment with real ownership, cross-functional collaboration, and the opportunity to contribute to broader transformation and digitalisation initiatives. It is suited to professionals who enjoy responsibility, variety, and continuous improvement.