Payroll Specialist

Overview

The Payroll & Benefits Advisor plays a vital role within the Regional Civilian Personnel Office (Europe) under the Canadian Department of National Defence. This position encompasses responsibility for managing payroll calculations, absence tracking, onboarding and offboarding procedures, and responding to queries from employees and supervisors. The role supports diverse civilian employees across eight European countries serving the Canadian Armed Forces' operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage absence records and ensure accurate payroll processes.
• Prepare budgeting reports connected to payroll and benefits.
• Coordinate onboarding and offboarding for civilian personnel.
• Address employee and supervisor inquiries related to payroll and benefits.
• Support projects and initiatives linked to civilian workforce management.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Completed secondary education or equivalent relevant training and experience.
• Minimum two years of experience in contract management, financial support, or HR-related services including onboarding, absence management, invoice payment, allowance calculation, salary monitoring, or payroll liaison activities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Experience with financial management software such as SAP, Oracle, Sage, Dynamics 365, or similar solutions.
• Fluency in English language, both written and oral.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong communication skills in English, verbal and written.
• Planning and organizational abilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Dedication to client service and maintaining discretion.
• Close attention to detail and flexibility in adapting to changes.

Preferred (Asset) Qualifications

• Vocational training as a payroll or accounts clerk.
• Post-secondary education in HR, labor relations, public/business administration, or relevant fields.
• Experience providing client advice on policies and regulations.
• Familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint.
• Proficiency in German, Latvian, or French is advantageous.

Employment Conditions & Requirements

• Must be legally eligible to work in Germany without visa sponsorship.
• Citizenship in a NATO member country is required.
• Must successfully complete background checks for security clearance and obtain reliability status.
• Compliance with military service obligations per country legislation, if applicable.
• The position involves variable working hours and potential remote work as requested by supervisors.
• One vacancy available; possibility of forming a candidate pool for lower classification position.
• Applicants must submit their applications in English.
• Cost of assessments, relocation, or interviews is not reimbursed.

Compensation and Work Details

• Work location: Niederheid, Germany.
• Full-time position with 38.5 weekly hours.
• Starting gross monthly salary at €3,356.58, progressing to €4,531.16 at the final step.
• Salary scale increments are based on steps with waiting periods.
• Immediate start date preferred.

Additional Information

• Application deadline: Sunday, 19 July 2026 at 23:59 CET.
• Applications not evidencing essential criteria in education, experience, and language may be rejected.
• Assessment may include interviews, written tests, video submissions, and reference checks.
• Internal candidates may receive preference for lateral transfers.
• Email correspondence effectiveness is part of evaluation.