Our Client is seeking a EMEIA Payroll Specialist for a Temporary 12-month contract role based in Cork. Given the immediate requirement for this contract assignment, candidates who are available at short notice or who have minimal notice periods will be given strong priority.
This position forms an integral part of the regional employee services team, providing vital payroll and HR support across various European jurisdictions. The post holder will collaborate with external processing vendors, internal finance teams, and broader human resources personnel to ensure compliant, accurate, and timely payroll operations across the region.
Responsibilities
- Oversee European payroll operations by liaising with local external payroll vendors, managing statutory body requirements (including insurance and pension schemes), and generating required HR paperwork such as employment certificates and leave documentation.
- Consolidate and prepare monthly payroll variables, incorporating lifecycle changes, recurring updates, and non-standard payments across all relevant operating regions.
- Partner with internal finance colleagues to align data processing schedules and guarantee the prompt completion of monthly payroll cycles.
- Perform routine monthly payroll audits and reconcile data to maintain high standards of operational accuracy and data integrity.
- Validate compensation and benefits records for accuracy, ensuring all required internal approvals are secured prior to processing.
- Review all payroll documentation, execute necessary adjustments, secure required sign-offs, and dispatch files to third-party providers while managing local country queries.
- Collaborate with the broader HR function to manage data integrity around onboardings, departures, internal transfers, and compensation changes.
- Supply HR partners with payroll-related calculations, pay comparison analyses, and support on specialized remuneration requests.
- Investigate and resolve inquiries from management, employees, and HR regarding leave accruals, banking details, tax queries, back-pay calculations, and employment verifications.
- Manage the centralised European payroll inbox, handling all incoming requests in a timely manner.
- Track European time and attendance records, ensuring manual or automated time tracking aligns correctly with monthly payroll outputs, following up with staff and line managers as necessary.
- Monitor changes in regional labour legislation and collective bargaining agreements alongside external vendors to keep HR partners updated on regulatory developments.
- Maintain organized filing systems for all pension, statutory, and insurance-related records.
- Assist with ad-hoc projects and support additional HR or payroll tasks as directed by management.
Requirements
- Proven background in a similar multi-country European payroll role, with direct experience working alongside external payroll vendors across multiple jurisdictions.
- Degree-level qualification, ideally with a focus on accounting, finance, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience handling both manual tracking methods and fully automated payroll system workflows.
- Prior experience utilizing dedicated HR and payroll software, with specific experience in Workday being highly advantageous.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
- High degree of discretion and proven ability to handle sensitive, confidential employee information.
- Strong analytical mindset with high attention to detail and a track record of meeting strict operational deadlines.
- Excellent communication skills with a collaborative, team-oriented approach to working within a global organization.
