EMEA Payroll Specialist
Location: London (Hybrid)
Contract Duration: 12 months
Engagement Type: Contract – Inside IR35
Payroll Model: Multi‑country, EMEA
Start: ASAP (notice periods considered)
About the Role
We are supporting a global organisation operating within the digital infrastructure and technology services sector, which is experiencing continued growth across the EMEA region. They are looking for an experienced EMEA Payroll Specialist to take ownership of end‑to‑end payroll processing across multiple European countries.
This is a hands‑on contract role suited to a payroll professional who thrives in a complex, fast‑moving, and highly regulated environment, and who is confident working with external vendors and cross‑functional teams.
Key Responsibilities
* Full ownership of end‑to‑end payroll processing for multiple EMEA countries
* Liaise closely with external payroll vendors to ensure timely and accurate payroll delivery
* Ensure accurate payment of salaries, payroll taxes, and statutory benefits
* Manage year‑end payroll activities and statutory filings across assigned countries
* Handle payroll treatment of equity/stock programs (RSU, ESPP), including deductions, gains, and tax withholdings
* Partner with HR Services, Finance, Stock Administration, and other internal stakeholders to collect monthly payroll inputs
* Respond to payroll queries from employees and internal teams via an HR Service Centre model
* Maintain strong SOX and payroll compliance through defined internal controls
* Understand payroll inputs to GL reporting and collaborate effectively with Finance teams
* Support Time & Attendance systems and ensure accurate feeds into payroll
* Maintain and update payroll process documentation and procedures
* Support team members as required and ensure knowledge transfer / backup coverage
* Contribute to process improvement and payroll‑related projects as required
Required Skills & Experience
* Proven experience managing multi‑country EMEA payroll within medium to large organisations
* Strong working knowledge of European payroll regulations and statutory compliance
* Experience managing payroll with full ownership and accountability
* Excellent Excel skills (reporting, reconciliations, analysis)
* Strong verbal and written communication skills
* Ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines
* Highly structured, detail‑oriented, and customer‑focused approach
* Fluency in English (additional European languages are an advantage)
* Experience working in a pan‑European or EMEA shared services environment
Desirable Experience
* Experience with ADP payroll solutions (Streamline and/or Celergo advantageous)
* Exposure to Time & Attendance systems and integrations
* Payroll experience integrated with an HR system
* Hands‑on experience with Workday
* Continuous improvement mindset
* Exposure to automation or AI tools within payroll operations