Payroll Specialist - German Speaking

About the Role

Our client is seeking a Senior Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations for their German entity. This role requires expertise in German payroll laws and tax regulations, along with the ability to drive process improvements and ensure compliance. The position involves a mix of hands-on payroll execution and strategic oversight, working closely with finance and HR teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance
• Develop and implement payroll policies, procedures, and best practices
• Ensure compliance with German labor laws, tax regulations, and social security requirements
• Monitor regulatory updates and advise leadership on compliance risks
• Manage payroll audits, reconciliations, and reporting
• Identify and implement process automation and system improvements
• Partner with finance teams on payroll-related forecasting, budgeting, and reporting
• Manage relationships with external vendors, tax authorities, and auditors
• Act as the primary payroll contact for employees, resolving payroll-related queries
• Collaborate with HR, finance, and executive teams to align payroll strategies with company objectives
• Support leadership on payroll-related decision-making and compliance strategies

Required Skills & Qualifications

• 6+ years of payroll experience, with at least some years in a senior role
• Strong expertise in German payroll laws, tax regulations, and compliance requirements
• Fluent in German (mandatory); Mandarin is a plus
• Experience with payroll system optimization, process automation, and digital transformation
• Finance background preferred; experience working cross-functionally with HR and finance teams
• Strong analytical skills with payroll reporting, budgeting, and audit experience
• Ability to work independently while collaborating with leadership
• Comfortable working in a hybrid setup

If you don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. We’re looking for candidates with the right experience and a willingness to grow in the role.

Place of work