Payroll Specialist

**Description**

**Payroll Specialist - Location Munich - Hybrid**

**About the job**:
As A&M continues to further grow across EMEA a great opportunity has become available for a Payroll Specialist to be based in Munich.

The Payroll Specialist will work autonomously while supported by the centralized payroll team in London as well as HR, Benefits, Finance and the Business globally.

The immediate focus will be the preparation of an accurate and timely payroll for approximately 300 or more employees and growing; to provide back up support to other European countries, to collaborate with external vendors and processing journals.

This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your leadership skills in a collaborative environment and be part of a Global Payroll team.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Ensure that starters, leavers, leaves of absence, salary increases, bonuses and transfers are all processed correctly. Preparation of employee related information and input into flexi-form and Payroll Provider's portal
- Accurate processing of Managing Director emoluments, including monthly draw, bonuses, benefits, deferred payments, loans etc.
- Processing of one-time bonus payments (e.g. Guaranteed bonuses, sign-on bonuses etc.) and annual bonus payments
- Adequate approvals are obtained in respect of any 'manual' payment requests and process manual payroll payments as needed
- Review the payroll output reports and payroll provider file before SEPA payment file is released to ensure all items have been processed correctly and are in line with expectations. Query and investigate any material monthly variances
- Adhere to payroll cut-off dates and ensure that deadlines with payroll provider and Business Partners are met
- Support continuous improvement of payroll processes and contribute to future state decision on new payroll service provider
- Liaise with payroll provider to ensure that payroll is processed timely and accurately. Work with payroll provider and internal payroll management to ensure that payroll legislative changes are applied timely
- Maintain and ensure accuracy of time-off tracking information for submission to payroll provider (i.e. Vacation days). Keep track of days taken by employee and escalate for any pattern of overused time-off requiring adjustment
- Ensure all registrations and de-registrations are completed in accordance with German legislation
- Preparation of termination/leaver package
- Reconcile all tax and social security deductions, ensuring they are filed and paid accurately and on time
- Ensure all manual payments are loaded in an accurate and timely manner for Finance to release on HSBC net
- Ensure all appropriate FX rates have been updated where translation is required for payment of salaries and bonuses
- Book accounting entries arising from the monthly payrolls and, in conjunction with Finance ensure that GL payroll accounts are appropriately reconciled
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Payroll Legislation and internal policies
- To be first point of contact on all income tax/social security queries from the tax authorities in liaison with payroll providers
- Respond to employees' questions and inquiries in a timely and courteous manner
- Registration and submission of employee insurance documents to insurance company

**Requirements**:

- Bachelor Degree in Business Administration or equivalent of 5 plus years of experience processing German, and other European countries payroll desired
- In depth knowledge of German payroll and understanding of relevant German employment and payroll legislation
- Good communication skills both verbally and written
- Fluency in German with ability to conversate and write in English
- Ability to work independently and be part of a remote team
- Ability to provide excellent customer service, be proactive, flexible, adaptable while problem solving when required
- Must be organized and adaptable to crucial time frame and changes
- Excellent skills in Excel
- Experience working a fast-paced, growing environment and across time zones would be advantageous
- Experience with Workday Human Capital Management system and financial reporting System a plus
- Quick learner with willingness and appetite to learn new systems and technology