Payroll Expert (All Genders)

About the Role

Join Kia Europe's People & Organization department at their headquarters in Frankfurt/Main, Germany as a Payroll Expert. This role focuses on managing payroll processes with strict adherence to German labor, tax, and social security laws. You will serve as a critical liaison between external payroll providers, internal teams, and employees to guarantee seamless payroll operations and superior service quality. Collaborating closely with P&O Business Partners, you will help refine P&O workflows and foster an employee-centered organizational culture. Additionally, you will be responsible for handling daily payroll tasks as well as managing budgets within your remit.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the payroll functions for Kia Europe GmbH cooperating with external payroll providers, ensuring accuracy and timely execution in compliance with statutory requirements.
• Serve as the principal contact for all payroll matters internally and externally, including employees, providers, auditors, and authorities.
• Deliver high quality employee support by resolving complex queries about payroll, time tracking, pension plans, parental leave, and other P&O issues.
• Ensure compliance with tax, social security, and regulatory obligations by monitoring and guaranteeing timely payment submissions to relevant authorities and service agencies.
• Continuously enhance payroll processes, systems, and projects for greater efficiency.
• Manage payroll-related reporting, employment certificate preparation, and communication with external entities such as health insurance firms and government officials.
• Coordinate monthly and annual closing activities, and act as a key figure during audits and inspections.
• Assist recruitment efforts by supporting candidate interactions to ensure a smooth hiring process.
• Oversee P&O budget planning, monitoring, and execution using SAP to maintain transparency and control costs effectively.

Candidate Profile

• Fluency in German and English, both written and spoken; additional languages are advantageous.
• A Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Several years of professional experience in payroll, operations, or similar roles, preferably in an international workplace.
• Deep knowledge of German payroll, tax, labor laws, and social security regulations.
• Proven track record of working with external payroll vendors, including coordination and validating payroll outputs.
• Comprehensive understanding of payroll processes from end to end, with integration points to finance, timekeeping, and benefits.
• Experience handling audits, fulfilling reporting requirements, and liaising with authorities and insurance providers.
• Comfortable using HRM systems such as Workday or equivalents, alongside advanced Excel skills for payroll analysis and reports.
• Exceptional accuracy, reliability, and confidentiality when managing sensitive employee data.
• Strong customer service orientation with capability to address and resolve complex employee inquiries effectively and methodically.
• Ability to independently prioritize tasks and assume ownership, including in part-time roles.
• Collaborative mindset to work across functions and maintain productive interfaces between payroll, P&O, Finance, and external partners.

About Kia Europe

Kia is a globally recognized mobility brand with a history dating back to 1944, evolving from manufacturing bicycles to pioneering electric vehicle solutions today. The company is dedicated to sustainable mobility and innovation, operating across Europe with a diverse workforce exceeding 5,000 employees from over 50 nationalities. At Kia, continuous growth, learning, and making meaningful contributions to future mobility are encouraged in a dynamic, international environment.

Why Join Us?

• Work within a vibrant multinational environment consisting of colleagues from more than 40 nations.
• Play an important strategic role in shaping Kia's presence in the European market.
• Participate in creating innovative frameworks and solutions.
• Take on challenging roles where creativity and proactive involvement are rewarded.
• Benefit from competitive compensation, private leasing options, comprehensive training, free staff restaurant, health management support, and more.