Senior Payroll Secialist - TEMP (maternity cover)

Michael Page; Barcelona; Presencial; EUR 40.000 - 55.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

Michael Page SSC in Barcelona seeks an experienced Senior Payroll & Compensation Specialist to oversee the monthly payroll for about 700 employees during a maternity leave cover. You will work with the Payroll Specialist and external providers, lead payroll inputs, validations, controls, and reporting, while supporting compensation and benefits administration in a fast-paced multinational setting.

The role requires strong analytical skills, data accuracy, and the ability to build relationships

Formación

• Experience coordinating monthly payroll for ~700 employees.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of local employment and tax regulations.

Responsabilidades

• Lead and coordinate monthly payroll cycle with Payroll Specialist and external provider.
• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Validate payroll inputs ( hires, terminations, salary changes, bonuses, absences).
• Perform payroll reconciliations, controls and audits.
• Support benefits administration and HR reporting.
• Maintain employee records across HR systems and ensure data confidentiality.
• Collaborate with Finance and external providers to resolve payroll discrepancies.

Conocimientos

Payroll processing

Compensation analysis

HR data management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder communication

Liaison with external providers

Herramientas

HRIS systems

Payroll software

Descripción del empleo

• Senior Payroll Secialist - TEMP (maternity cover)
• Michael Page SSC

Michael Page SSC

We are seeking an experienced and hands‑on Senior Payroll & Compensation Specialist to join our Shared Services Centre in Barcelona on a temporary basis to cover a maternity leave. This role will be primarily responsible for coordinating and overseeing the monthly payroll process for approximately 700 employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery. Working closely with the Payroll Specialist and external payroll providers, the successful candidate will act as the key payroll lead, managing payroll inputs, validations, controls, reporting, and employee support. In addition to payroll responsibilities, the role will support compensation and benefits administration, HR compliance activities, employee data management, and HR reporting. The position requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to build effective relationships with employees, managers, and external partners in a fast-paced multinational environment.

Payroll Management (Primary Focus)

• Lead and coordinate the monthly payroll cycle for approximately 700 employees in partnership with the Payroll Specialist and external payroll provider.
• Ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time, in line with internal procedures and statutory requirements.
• Review and validate payroll inputs, including new hires, terminations, salary changes, bonuses, variable compensation, benefits deductions, absences, and other employee data.
• Perform payroll reconciliations, controls, and audits to ensure data accuracy and compliance.
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll-related queries from employees, managers, and stakeholders.
• Ensure payroll records and supporting documentation are maintained appropriately and confidentially.
• Collaborate with Finance and external providers to resolve payroll discrepancies and ensure smooth payroll operations.
• Monitor payroll-related legislative changes and ensure continued compliance with local employment and tax regulations.
• Support the Payroll Specialist in the administration of payroll processes and act as a backup when required.

Compensation & Benefits

• Administer and support employee benefits programmes, including private medical insurance, pension plans, meal vouchers, flexible compensation schemes, and company cars.
• Coordinate benefit enrolment, modifications, renewals, and employee communications.
• Liaise with external providers and brokers to ensure effective administration of benefit programmes.
• Support compensation reviews and provide relevant data and analysis when required.
• Conduct benchmarking and market analysis to support compensation and benefits decision-making.

HR Operations & Compliance

• Maintain accurate employee records across HR systems and personnel files.
• Ensure data integrity and compliance with company policies and local legal requirements.
• Prepare employment-related documentation, including contractual changes and employee letters.
• Support employee lifecycle processes, including onboarding, employment changes, and offboarding administration.
• Coordinate with external legal advisors and providers on employment-related matters as required.
• Support compliance with labour legislation and internal policies.

HR Reporting & Analytics

• Prepare and analyse payroll, headcount, absenteeism, compensation, and benefits reports.
• Monitor and maintain People & Culture metrics and KPIs.
• Provide regular analysis and insights to support business and People & Culture decision-making.
• Generate ad hoc reports and dashboards as required by management.

This temporary position is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional looking to take ownership of a critical payroll function while working closely with employees, managers, and external providers in a dynamic international environment.