Payroll Specialist EMEA (m/f/d)

Alvarez & Marsal; Frankfurt; On-site; EUR 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Alvarez & Marsal in Frankfurt is seeking a Payroll Specialist (m/f/d) to own end‑to‑end payroll processing for Germany and Austria, with potential to expand to other countries, ensuring accurate, timely payments and compliance. You will partner with the payroll provider, HR, and Finance to deliver month‑end reports, manage year‑end processes, and support the Global Payroll Transformation project.

Fluency in German and English, strong Excel skills, and experience across European payroll

Qualifications

• Experience processing German payroll with knowledge of legislation, social security regulations, and benefits regulations; European countries a plus.
• Experience working with local payroll providers and managing relationships with external vendors.
• Proficient in MS Office applications, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting.
• Fluent in German with the ability to converse and write in English.
• Excellent stakeholder management and handling confidential data.
• Able to work across time zones in a fast-paced environment and independently as well as in a team.

Responsibilities

• Manage and deliver the end-to-end payroll cycle for Germany and Austria (with scope to support additional countries), ensuring payments are accurate, on time, and compliant with local legislation.
• Prepare by-law mandatory payroll documents and registrations such as termination documents and employment confirmations in accordance with local legislation.
• Adhere to payroll cut-off dates and ensure deadlines with the payroll provider and Business Partners are met.
• Coordinate year-end payroll processes, including annual tax statements and compliance reports for each country.
• Work with payroll provider and internal payroll management to update payroll legislation timely.
• Ensure appropriate approvals are obtained for payroll finalisation and payments.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation and internal policies.
• Act as primary contact for payroll queries from employees, the business, tax authorities, pension and other statutory providers.
• Deliver month-end payroll reports to Finance and support Accounting in reconciliations and audits.
• Support continuous improvement of payroll processes and global initiatives.

Skills

German payroll experience

Payroll regulatory knowledge

German to English communication

Stakeholder management

Tools

MS Office

Excel

Job description

Description

About Alvarez & Marsal

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is aglobalconsultingfirm with entrepreneurial, action and results-oriented professionals. Wetake a hands-on approach to solving our clients' problems andassistingthem in reaching their potential. Our culture celebrates independent thinkers and doers who positivelyimpactour clients and shape ourindustry. The collaborative environment and engaging work—guided by A&M's core values of Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity—are why our people love working at A&M.

The Team

This role offers a high level of autonomy, while being fully supported by a peer in Germany and our centralised EMEA payroll team, along with HR, Benefits, Finance, and global business stakeholders. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your technical expertise and leadership capability within a collaborative, international payroll environment as part of a Global Payroll team.

How you will contribute

The Payroll Specialist (m/f/d) will take ownership of delivering accurate and timely payroll processing for approximately 450+ personnel, with headcount expected to grow. In addition to local responsibilities, the role will provide back‑up support for other EMEA payrolls, contribute to the Global Payroll Transformation Project, and manage relationships with external vendors. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys new challenges, appreciates a streamlined and supportive process, and has a passion for innovative solutions.

• Manage and deliver the end‑to‑end payroll cycle for Germany and Austria (with scope to support additional countries), ensuring payments are accurate, on time, and fully compliant with local legislation, statutory requirements, and company policies.
• Prepare by law mandatory payroll documents and de/registrations such as termination documents, employment confirmations in accordance with local legislation.
• Adhere to payroll cut‑off dates and ensure that deadlines with the payroll provider and Business Partners are met.
• Coordinate year‑end payroll processes, including the production of annual tax statements and compliance reports for each country.
• Work with payroll provider and internal payroll management to ensure that payroll legislative changes are applied timely.
• Ensure adequate approvals are obtained in respect of payroll finalisation and payment requests.
• Ensure all appropriate FX rates have been updated where translation is required for payment of salaries or bonuses.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of payroll legislation and internal policies.
• Act as the primary contact on payroll related queries from employees, the business, tax authorities, pension and other statutory benefits providers and payroll providers in a timely manner, ensuring service quality and issue resolution
• Deliver month‑end payroll reports to the Finance team and support the Accounting team in reconciling payroll‑related accounts, reports and audit requests.
• Support continuous improvement of payroll processes and maintain a strong focus on payroll controls, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Contribute to the ongoing development and digitalisation of payroll processes by participating in the Global Payroll Integrator Project or other initiatives.
• Foster close collaboration with The People Team, wider Finance team and all stakeholders, maintaining a professional, efficient, and trusted payroll service reputation.

Qualifications

• Previous experience processing German payroll with sound knowledge of legislation, social security regulations, collective‑bargaining provisions and benefits regulations (additional European countries is a plus).
• Experience working with local payroll providers and managing relationships with external vendors.
• Proficient in using MS Office applications, particularly Excel, for data analysis and reporting.
• Fluent in German with the ability to conversate and write in English (any other language is a plus).
• Excellent stakeholder management, attention to detail, used to handling confidential data.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service, be proactive, flexible, adaptable while problem solving when required to effectively address inquiries and concerns related to payroll.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills to handle multiple payrolls and deadlines.
• Experience working a fast‑paced, growing environment and across time zones.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Resilience and flexibility with the ability to adapt to changing payroll requirements across different countries within the EMEA region.

Your journey at A&M

We recognize thatour people are the driving force behind our success, which is why weprioritizeanemployee experience thatfosterseachperson’sunique professional and personal development. Our robustperformance-development processpromotescontinuous learning,rewards your contributions, and fosters a culture of meritocracy.With top‑notch training andon‑the‑joblearning opportunities, you canacquirenew skills and advance your career.

We prioritize your well‑being,providing benefits and resources to support you on your personal journey. Our people consistently highlight the growth opportunities, our unique, entrepreneurial culture, and the fun we have together as their favorite aspectsof working at A&M. The possibilities are endless for high‑performing and passionate professionals.