Specialist, International Payroll (Bucharest, RO, RO-020339)

ROLE DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Specialist, International Payroll is responsible for the end-to-end payroll cycle for a dedicated portfolio of countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia. The role ensures accurate, timely and compliant payroll input, processing, validation, payments, filings, reconciliations and reporting in line with local legislation, tax and social security requirements. It works closely with external payroll providers and internal HR Compensation & Benefits, Accounting, Tax, Treasury and other key stakeholders to safeguard payroll quality, compliance and employee experience.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY RESULT AREAS

• Collaborate closely with external payroll providers, HR Business Partners, HR Operations, HRIS, Compensation & Benefits, Accounting, Tax and Treasury teams to ensure correct salary payments and payroll compliance with local legislation and tax regulations.
• Manage the full and timely payroll process for a dedicated number of payrolls, including payroll input, processing, validation, salary payments, tax and social security payments, filings to employees, tax authorities and social security institutions, and output reconciliations.
• Ensure the proper tax treatment and implementation of payroll changes provided by Compensation & Benefits and HR team members.
• Prepare reconciliations and accruals for Finance and ensure compliance with SOX controls, internal and external audit requirements, including the four-eyes principle, and other applicable legislation and regulations.
• Perform monthly payroll bank account reconciliations and coordinate the resolution of discrepancies and irregularities in pay with the appropriate parties.
• Manage the process for reimbursement requests towards governmental institutions, including refund and tax schemes where applicable.
• Contribute to payroll vendor management and/or subcontractor management processes.
• Assist with payroll-related General Ledger reporting, cost centre accounting, and HR-related invoice coding and processing.
• Handle payroll queries from employees, HR colleagues, managers and other stakeholders, including ad hoc reporting and pro forma calculations for regular payroll as well as hypo tax and shadow payroll setups.
• Maintain monthly SAP / Successfactors HR module input and updates, including alignment.
• Support projects, annual salary review activities and other special assignments as required, and act as back-up for colleagues.

COMPETENCIES

• Quality-driven mindset with strong attention to detail and a disciplined approach to payroll accuracy, controls and deadlines
• Reliability, time management skills, and strong ownership, with the ability to close payroll activities on time and escalate issues appropriately.
• Constructive team player with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders across countries, functions and diverse environment; ablity to deal with cultural differences
• Ability to work independently, proactively to resolve discrepancies
• Clear, diplomatic and effective communication skills, including the ability to handle sensitive payroll queries confidentially and professionally.
• Excellent time management skills to assure timely payroll process
• Analytical thinker who understands processes
• Proactive, well organized and of investigative nature
• Ability to develop suggestions for solving problems and improving work methods

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting and/or finance, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Around four years of payroll experience, with the majority gained in an international payroll environment.
• Experience with Romanian tax legislation; exposure to international tax legislation is an asset.
• Experience with international assignment and shadow pay structures, and with international tax and social security regulations, including but not limited to the Dutch 30% ruling and A1/E101 statements.
• Payroll accounting expertise is mandatory(P&L Recon & Balance sheet related to Payroll).
• Practical experience with ADP Streamline, SAP / SuccessFactors software and interfaces is an asset.
• Knowledge of financial policies and standards is an asset.
• Experience with HRIS systems is a plus.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Fluent English and Romanian, both spoken and written.

OTHER KEY REQUIREMENTS / COMMENTS

• Key interfaces include external payroll providers, HR Business Partners, HR Operations, Compensation & Benefits, Accounting, Tax, Treasury, employees and managers.
• Key performance indicators include accurate and timely payroll closure, compliant tax and social security filings, effective reconciliation, audit compliance and quality of stakeholder support.
• Support annual salary review, payroll projects, ad hoc reporting and special projects as requested by management.
• The role has no direct or indirect reports.