Senior Payroll Specialist - 6 months

We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Specialist for 6 months to play a key role in the delivery, optimization, and transformation of payroll operations within a complex international environment.

This position combines hands-on payroll expertise with a strong focus on process improvement, systems optimization, governance, and continuous transformation.

Payroll Operations Excellence

• Manage and oversee end-to-end payroll activities to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery.
• Review payroll outputs, reconciliations, validations, and audit documentation.
• Maintain robust payroll controls and ensure compliance with internal policies and regulatory requirements.

• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll, compensation, benefits, and leave administration processes.
• Drive the implementation of new workflows, operational procedures, and process standardization initiatives across HR Operations.
• Support payroll-related transformation projects, including systems upgrades, digitalization initiatives, and process redesign.
• Develop and maintain process documentation, standard operating procedures, and governance frameworks.

HR Systems & Data Management

• Act as a key stakeholder for HRIS and payroll system enhancements, testing activities, and implementation projects.
• Collaborate with HR technology teams to optimize payroll-related processes within Workday and connected platforms.
• Ensure payroll data integrity through rigorous validation and quality-control measures.
• Analyze payroll and workforce data to identify trends, risks, and improvement opportunities.

Vendor & Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary liaison with external payroll providers and other payroll-related partners.
• Monitor vendor performance and ensure service delivery aligns with established standards and controls.
• Partner closely with HR, Finance, Accounting, Treasury, and Internal Control functions on payroll-related initiatives and reporting requirements.

Payroll Advisory & Expertise

• Act as a senior payroll subject matter expert for complex payroll, compensation, benefits, and leave management matters.
• Investigate payroll discrepancies and recommend sustainable solutions.
• Provide guidance on payroll processes, controls, compliance matters, and best practices.
• Support the implementation of compensation and benefits policies and related administrative processes.

Education

• University degree in Human Resources, Finance, Business Administration, Accounting, or a related discipline.
• Professional payroll qualification or equivalent certification is considered an advantage.
• Experience with Workday or a comparable HRIS platform is highly desirable.

Experience

• Significant experience in international payroll administration and operations.
• Demonstrated involvement in payroll transformation, systems implementation, process optimization, or operational excellence initiatives.
• Strong understanding of compensation and benefits administration.
• Experience managing relationships with external payroll providers.
• Proven ability to work in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.