Payroll Operations Specialist

SUMMARY: This role will lead/support time/payroll processes, including payroll transaction processing, reconciliation, reporting, tax and other statutory obligations/payments. Responsible for escalations and resolution of market issues and lead/support adhoc projects and compliance activities related to Payroll (social insurance law, labour law). Will collaborate extensively with external payroll providers.
 
Location: Zürich, Switzerland (evtl. Take responsibility for other countries)
 
The Payroll Operations Specialist is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing the payroll system for the EU and Emerging Markets region. The primary focus will be to:
 

• Lead the development and manage the go-live migration of payroll process as part of a global business separation / carve-out to ensure a seamless transition of the Firm to a fully standalone business for various countries.
• Ensure the payroll systems and processes continually evolve to meet the global business needs of the business.  Additional responsibilities will include coordination with business stakeholder, HR leadership and suppliers to facilitate adequate resourcing and technology infrastructure required to support the business

 
BACKGROUND
 
The Payroll Operations Specialist will be responsible for both pre and post Day 1 HR Information Systems related work globally, reporting directly to the P&C Leader, Payroll Manager, Manager IT and / or Finance.
 
As the work of creating the Firm HR service delivery model continues, the Payroll Operations Specialist will lead the development and manage the go-live migration of IFS Masterdata and contend of HR Provider as part of a global solution to handle Employee Master data and Payroll country wise. The role will require close coordination with other corporate functions (Finance, IT, Legal) and external suppliers, to identify interdependencies and develop strategies to support all business needs as they related to HR.
 
Additionally, the Payroll Operations Specialist will be responsible for ensuring day-to-day payroll operations and, under the leadership of the concerned Manager (P&C, TI or Finance), manage any initiatives for continuous improvement of the HR Information System processes and technology.
 
The role offers significant direct experience of working with and exposure to senior executives, in a fast-paced and dynamic environment across many countries.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Performs payroll-related functions in accordance with country and local regulations, including but not limited to processing new hires, termination status changes, tax changes, wage garnishments, deductions, and direct deposit.
• Reviews and verifies payroll data in a timely manner, calculates overtime and other pay premiums, and enters payroll data in accordance with country rules and regulations or control the calculations done by external providers.
• Prepares manual checks as necessary.
• Oversees maintenance of payroll records and files including but not limited to sick time and vacation and other accrued leave.
• Responds to routine inquiries concerning payroll deductions and accruals, wage garnishments, child support payments, and employment verifications.
• Posts journal entries and prepares month-end reports.
• Reconciles all payroll-related accounts and activities.
• Assists with the development and implementation of payroll practices, policies, and procedures.
• Assists with related special projects as required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by management.
• Ensure a seamless Payroll transition of HZI from local solutions to a global one.
• Coordinate with other corporate functions (Finance, IT, Legal) and external suppliers, to identify interdependencies and develop strategies to support the business.

  
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Directly manages and coordinates with payroll / HR suppliers and partners