Expert, Payroll Systems & Operations

The Position

Acts as the primary point of contact for payroll operations and system testing, serving as the subject matter expert in validating and coordinating payroll, tax, garnishment, and time administration processes across multiple platforms.

The Expert, Payroll Systems & Operations is responsible for testing payroll system configurations, validating end-to-end processes, and ensuring compliance with internal policies, country/state regulations, and company agreements. This role involves the coordination, alignment, and execution of all payroll-related testing activities across various platforms. This role is as well involved in process changes to support the design, training and implementation of these. It requires close collaboration with cross-functional teams—including HRIT, Finance, and third-party vendors (e.g., payroll and benefits providers)—to support system upgrades, enhancements, issue resolution, and other related initiatives.

Responsibilities

Testing

• Subject matter expert for all payroll related testing activities, overseeing end-to-end validation of payroll system configurations and processes.
• Develop and execute test cases based on system requirements and business processes.
• Test system setups, rules, and parameters to ensure accurate payroll calculations, tax deductions, and time tracking. Perform functional and regression Testing
• Ensure all testing aligns with internal policies, country/state regulations, and company agreements.
• Lead and coordinate testing efforts across payroll-related functions including compensation, benefits, time management, leave of absence, and shift modeling.
• Drive process changes, particpate in country projects realted to payroll – supporting the design of the processes, alignment, training, documentation and implementation
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams such as other H2R streams, local HR, HRIT, Finance, and third-party vendors (e.g., payroll and benefit providers) to support system upgrades, enhancements, and issue resolution.
• Document test results, identify discrepancies, and recommend process improvements.
• Gather feedback and ensure all business requirements are met before deployment.
• Support compliance initiatives by validating regulatory updates and system changes.
• Liaise with HR Directors and local leadership to adapt operational processes to regional needs; align with Regional Service Center Strategy and broader HR vision for high-quality, compliant service delivery.
• Manage vendors (where applicable) to strengthen relationships, monitor performance, and ensure accurate and timely payroll transactions; collaborate closely with local benefit providers as key interfaces for time management data.
• Monitor legal changes across all in-scope countries and implement or request necessary updates in areas such as tax law, social insurance, workplace regulations, tariff law, and internal policies.

Operations

• Supports the overall operations team by assisting with projects, change management, issue resolution, and related initiatives.
• Contributes to operational excellence within the Payroll and Time Administration teams by ensuring the compliant and efficient execution of end-to-end processes.
• Continuously seeks opportunities to enhance and streamline processes across all functional areas.
• Back-up for payroll operations in case needed

Qualifications

• Academic degree in business or equivalent
• Expert knowledge in the field of Payroll and Time Management
• Extensive customer orientation, international experience, business fluency in English
• Ideally work experience in different HR or finance roles, negotiation experience with co-determination bodies, ability to work across business units / geographies
• Cultural sensitivity; strong external network providing access to best HR and talent practices and innovation
• Ability to work independently with excellent time management skills
• Excellent problem solving skills along with keen attention to details
• Strong written/verbal communication, interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Strong client relationship skills
• Amenable to work night shift