Payroll Specialist EMEA

About Alvarez & Marsal

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a global consulting firm that emphasizes entrepreneurial spirit and practical, results-driven solutions to client challenges. Their culture values independent thinkers who make a positive impact while upholding core principles including integrity, quality, and inclusivity. The company fosters a collaborative, engaging workplace where employees thrive.

Role Overview

This role offers significant autonomy backed by support from a peer in Germany and the centralized EMEA payroll team. Supporting functions include HR, Benefits, Finance, and other global business areas. The position provides an excellent opportunity to demonstrate technical proficiency and leadership within an international payroll setting as part of a Global Payroll team.

Key Responsibilities

• Handle full payroll processing for Germany and Austria, and potentially other countries, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, compliance with local laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Prepare legally required payroll documents such as terminations and employment confirmations per local legislation.
• Meet payroll deadlines coordinating with payroll providers and internal business partners.
• Manage year-end payroll tasks, including tax statement production and compliance reporting per country.
• Collaborate with payroll providers and internal teams to implement legislative changes promptly.
• Secure proper approvals for payroll finalizations and payment requests.
• Update foreign exchange rates as needed for salary and bonus payments.
• Maintain current knowledge of payroll legislation and internal policies.
• Serve as the primary contact for payroll inquiries from employees, tax authorities, benefits providers, and vendors, ensuring prompt issue resolution and service quality.
• Deliver monthly payroll reports to Finance and assist Accounting with payroll account reconciliations and audits.
• Drive payroll process improvements focusing on controls, documentation, and audit preparedness.
• Participate in digitalization initiatives such as the Global Payroll Integrator Project.
• Maintain close collaboration with People and Finance Teams and uphold a trusted and efficient payroll service reputation.

Qualifications and Skills

• Solid experience with German payroll processing including familiarity with legislation, social security, collective bargaining, and benefits; additional European country experience is advantageous.
• Experienced in managing relationships with local payroll vendors.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and other Microsoft Office tools for analysis and reporting.
• Fluency in German and good English communication skills; additional languages are a plus.
• Strong stakeholder management with meticulous attention to confidential data handling.
• Excellent customer service aptitude; proactive, adaptable, and effective at resolving payroll-related queries.
• Organizational skills to manage multiple payroll processes and deadlines efficiently.
• Experience working in fast-paced, international environments involving multiple time zones.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Resilience and adaptability to handle evolving payroll requirements across different EMEA countries.

Additional Information

A&M prioritizes employee growth through a performance-driven culture offering continuous learning, merit-based rewards, comprehensive training, and career advancement opportunities. The company promotes well-being and supports employees with benefits and resources tailored to personal development. Employees appreciate the entrepreneurial culture, growth prospects, and enjoyable work environment.