Specialist II Payroll

NSF

Job Description

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)

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.