Senior Payroll Transition Specialist

We are hiring on behalf of a global financial technology organisation seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Transition Specialist to support a number of complex payroll transformation initiatives across EMEA.

This is a hands-on delivery role focused on payroll transitions, implementations, testing, operational readiness and go-live support. This is not a PMO or governance position.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll transition activities from incumbent vendors and platforms to new providers and systems
• Support payroll teams through data readiness, UAT, validation, testing and parallel payroll runs
• Develop and execute payroll test strategies, detailed test scripts and defect resolution activities
• Drive successful parallel payroll runs, ensuring accuracy, reconciliation and sign-off before go-live
• Create payroll SOPs, procedures and operational documentation
• Deliver knowledge transfer from vendors into internal payroll teams
• Support post go-live payroll stabilisation activities
• Act as the payroll SME across Payroll, HR, HRIS, Finance and external payroll vendors
• Train payroll teams on new payroll platforms, processes, controls and legislative requirements
• Embed payroll controls, approval frameworks, reconciliations and audit-ready documentation
• Identify and mitigate payroll and statutory risks throughout the transition lifecycle

Essential Experience

• Proven hands-on experience delivering payroll transitions and payroll implementations
• Strong operational payroll expertise in Germany (mandatory)
• ADP Celergo Payroll experience
• Deep understanding of gross-to-net payroll processing
• Strong knowledge of statutory reporting, payroll controls and audit requirements
• Practical experience with:

Payroll testing

Parallel payroll runs

Data validation and reconciliation

Vendor transitions

Payroll platform migrations

• Ability to operate independently and drive delivery in fast-paced environments

Highly Desirable

• Experience supporting Belgium and/or Netherlands payrolls
• Experience working with outsourced payroll models and Social Secretaries
• Exposure to EMEA payroll governance frameworks
• German and/or Dutch language skills