Payroll Specialist

Location
HAMBURG
Workplace
Hybrid

About this role

The Payroll Specialist II is a senior payroll professional responsible for complex payroll operations, governance, and continuous improvement across multiple countries. This role acts as a technical expert, leads audits and controls, and supports strategic payroll initiatives.

Responsibilities

  • Perform advanced payroll validation and handle complex payroll scenarios.
  • Review and validate new hire, absence, leave, and termination data to ensure accuracy and compliance before payroll processing.
  • Ensure statutory termination documentation is prepared, validated, and delivered to the employee in accordance with legal and internal requirements.
  • Serve as a technical reference for payroll processes and escalations.
  • Lead payroll audits, reconciliations, and compliance reviews.
  • Develop and maintain payroll controls, documentation, and SOPs.
  • Monitor payroll KPIs and prepare analytical reports for leadership.
  • Drive process improvements, automation, and standardization initiatives.
  • Lead or support multi country payroll projects, system upgrades, and provider transitions.
  • Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, Legal, and external vendors on strategic topics.
  • Support change management and ensure smooth adoption of new processes.
  • Provide guidance and knowledge support to Payroll Specialist I team members.

Qualifications

  • Payroll experience with multi country complexity, with a strong knowledge of German payroll and legislation (experience with UK, BE and other EU countries will be a strong asset).
  • Strong understanding of payroll legislation, compliance, and controls.
  • Advanced analytical, problem solving, and auditing skills.
  • Ability to manage priorities independently and lead initiatives.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management capabilities.
  • High proficiency in payroll systems, HRIS, and Excel or analytical tools.
  • Proficiency in English and German (any other EU languages are welcome)

Please send you application/resume in English

Notice to Agency and Search Firm Representatives: Please note that NSF is not accepting unsolicited resumes from agencies and search firms for this role. Resumes submitted to an NSF employee by a third-party agency without a valid written and signed search agreement between NSF and said third-party agency will become the sole property of NSF. No fee will be paid if a candidate is hired as a result of an unsolicited agency or search firm referral. Thank you.

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