Payroll Specialist

NSF; Hamburg; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

NSF is seeking a senior Payroll Specialist II in Hamburg to manage complex payroll operations across multiple countries. You will act as a technical payroll expert, lead audits, and support strategic initiatives.

You will collaborate with HR, Finance, Legal, and external vendors while ensuring compliance and continuous improvement. German payroll knowledge and strong analytical skills are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Multi-country payroll experience required.
• Strong knowledge of German payroll and legislation.
• Advanced analytical, problem-solving, and auditing skills.
• Ability to manage priorities and lead initiatives.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Proficiency in payroll systems and HRIS; Excel or analytical tools.
• English and German language proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Perform advanced payroll validation and handle complex scenarios.
• Review and validate data for new hires, absences, leaves, and terminations before processing.
• Prepare and deliver statutory termination documentation per legal/internal requirements.
• Act as technical reference and handle escalations for payroll processes.
• Lead payroll audits, reconciliations, and compliance reviews.
• Develop and maintain payroll controls, documentation, and SOX compliance.
• Monitor payroll KPIs and prepare analytical leadership reports.
• Drive process improvements, automation, and standardization initiatives.
• Lead or support multi-country payroll projects, upgrades, and transitions.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Legal, and 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.

Skills

German payroll knowledge

Analytical skills

Auditing skills

Prioritization

Communication

HRIS proficiency

Excel skills

English proficiency

Tools

Payroll systems

SOX controls

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

Responsibiliti

• es
  Perform advanced payroll validation and handle complex payroll scenari
• os.Review and validate new hire, absence, leave, and termination data to ensure accuracy and compliance before payroll processi
• ng.Ensure statutory termination documentation is prepared, validated, and delivered to the employee in accordance with legal and internal requiremen
• ts.Serve as a technical reference for payroll processes and escalatio
• ns.Lead payroll audits, reconciliations, and compliance revie
• ws.Develop and maintain payroll controls, documentation, and SO
• Ps.Monitor payroll KPIs and prepare analytical reports for leadersh
• ip.Drive process improvements, automation, and standardization initiativ
• es.Lead or support multi country payroll projects, system upgrades, and provider transitio
• ns.Collaborate closely with HR, Finance, Legal, and external vendors on strategic topi
• cs.Support change management and ensure smooth adoption of new process
• es.Provide guidance and knowledge support to Payroll Specialist I team membe

Qualificat

• ions
  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 as
• set).Strong understanding of payroll legislation, compliance, and cont
• rols.Advanced analytical, problem solving, and auditing sk
• ills.Ability to manage priorities independently and lead initiat
• ives.Strong communication and stakeholder management capabili
• ties.High proficiency in payroll systems, HRIS, and Excel or analytical t
• ools.Proficiency in English and German (any other EU languages are wel