Senior Payroll & People Operations Specialist

Role Overview

As a Senior Payroll & People Operations Specialist, you will be responsible for end-to-end monthly payroll processing, managing employee leave entitlements, and maintaining payroll records. You will also act as an internal specialist for German wage tax, social security regulations, and labor law, ensuring operational processes are fully compliant. Additionally, you will provide support for internal and external audits, and collaborate with Finance, Tax Advisors, and HR Governance to ensure correct benefits administration and audit readiness.

What You Will Do

Your day-to-day responsibilities will include processing payroll, managing employee leave entitlements, maintaining payroll records, and ensuring compliance with German labor law and regulations. You will also respond to complex employee and manager inquiries regarding payroll matters, salary discrepancies, and tax withholdings.

Why It Might Be a Fit

We are looking for a highly skilled and detail-oriented individual with experience in German payroll processing, wage tax laws, and social security regulations. You will be part of a team that values integrity, proactive risk management, and equality, and you will have opportunities for growth and development through our internal mobility and learning framework.

Requirements

• 4+ years of progressive HR experience with full ownership of end-to-end German payroll processing and People Operations
• Deep expertise in German payroll processing, wage tax laws, social security regulations, and core German labor law frameworks
• High proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word), Personio (or comparable HRIS systems), and payroll reporting tools
• Professional fluency in German (C1/C2 required for legal, tax, and authority interactions) and fluency in English
• High attention to detail and accuracy in processing payroll and financial data
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to handle payroll discrepancies efficiently
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive employee information
• Engaged team player with a strong drive to create a positive work environment
• Excellent communication skills to effectively liaise with employees and other departments
• Comfortable working with AI tools, thinking critically about AI outputs, and contributing to a culture of responsible AI use

Benefits

• Home office budget
• Learning & development budget of €1000 per year
• Competitive salary and a variable remuneration program
• Monthly meal allowance
• Deutschland ticket subsidy
• 28 vacation days, increasing by 2 days after 2 years and 3 days after 3 years with Solaris
• Opportunity to work abroad for up to 12 weeks per year