Payroll Specialist (m/f/d)

About Appinio

Appinio is a worldwide market research company that blends an AI-driven insights platform with specialist consulting. Founded in Hamburg in 2014, the business now operates as a remote-first organization with more than 260 employees across 13 countries, serving 2,600+ international clients and conducting research in over 190 markets.

The company values openness in hiring and shares information about its interview journey in a dedicated blog. It also emphasizes that applications should be submitted in English.

Role summary

Appinio is seeking a proactive, tech-oriented Payroll Specialist to join the People Team. The role is centered on running a smooth end-to-end preparatory payroll process for a global workforce, following local rules and deadlines, and improving the systems and workflows that support the company’s continued growth.

The People Team works with a product-driven approach, focusing on collaboration, transparency, stakeholder partnership, and practical solutions that improve the employee experience.

What you will do

• Own the preparatory payroll process for international entities including Germany, Austria, France, Spain, Portugal, the UK, and the Netherlands, with strong attention to accuracy and punctual delivery.
• Act as the main contact for external payroll vendors, the EOR provider Remote, and the US PEO, while handling payroll compliance matters and statutory questions carefully.
• Respond to payroll support tickets and employee queries with speed, clarity, expertise, and a service-minded approach.
• Spot process gaps and introduce automation to reduce manual work and create more scalable payroll operations.
• Work with RevOps to ensure commissions and bonuses are calculated correctly and paid on time.
• Support Finance with staff cost reporting, audits, and workforce-planning analysis based on data.
• Help Finance and Legal prepare grant and subsidy applications, such as R&D tax credits or local employment grants, by supplying personnel records, salary documentation, and compliance evidence.

What success in this role looks like

• You bring ownership to a fast-moving environment and help keep payroll transparent, compliant, and audit-ready.
• You use a product mindset to improve workflows and remove inefficiencies between HRIS and payroll systems.
• You communicate complex tax and payroll matters in a clear, patient, and employee-friendly way.
• You are confident working with data and using spreadsheets for detailed analysis.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience handling preparatory payroll for Germany.
• Hands-on experience with preparatory payroll in France and/or Spain, plus solid knowledge of statutory requirements.
• Exposure to Austria, the UK, the Netherlands, the US, or Portugal is considered an advantage.
• Proven experience managing external payroll providers and keeping compliance on track.
• Experience working with EOR and PEO providers is a plus.
• A track record of improving processes and introducing automated workflows between HRIS and payroll tools.
• Strong analytical ability and advanced Excel or Google Sheets skills.
• Excellent communication skills with a calm, empathetic, service-oriented style.
• Professional fluency in both English and German, spoken and written.

Perks and benefits

• No fixed vacation cap under the company’s flexibility policy.
• For EU-based employees, the option to work from abroad for up to 180 days per year.
• Company-provided equipment, including a MacBook.
• For employees in Hamburg or Berlin, either a Deutschland ticket or access to a mobility budget through the NAVIT app for commuting.
• Subsidized Urban Sports Club or ClassPass membership, depending on location.
• Access to co-working spaces in selected cities such as Hamburg, Berlin, Munich, London, Madrid, Barcelona, and New York.

Additional details

This position reports directly to the Team Lead Talent Acquisition & People Operations.

Interview process

• Introductory screening call with a Talent Acquisition Partner.
• Interview with the Team Lead Talent Acquisition & People Operations.
• Case study discussion with senior members of the People Team.
• Reference checks.
• Executive interview with C-level leadership.
• Offer stage.

Other information

Appinio encourages people to apply even if they meet only around 80% of the criteria, as long as they are genuinely excited about the role. The company is an equal-opportunity employer and considers all applicants without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.

The role description also mentions a privacy policy and links to the company’s public profiles and website.