Job Description
We are looking for a Senior Payroll & Compensation Specialist to own and manage our end-to-end payroll operations while contributing to the development of a robust compensation & benefits. This role combines operational excellence in payroll with a strategic mindset to improve processes and drive automation.
Key Responsibilities:
Payroll Management
* Manage the full monthly payroll cycle, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.
* Process payroll inputs, including variable elements, absences, and employee changes.
* Perform payroll controls and reconciliations.
* Handle payroll-related accounting entries, including monthly and annual closings in collaboration with finance.
* Ensure compliance with local labor laws, tax regulations, and social security requirements.
* Act as the main point of contact for payroll-related queries.
* Ensure supervision and validation of payroll processes with the abroad entities in collaboration with local HR partners and payroll providers.
* Ensure proper documentation and audit trail for all payroll activities.
Process Improvement & Automation
* Identify opportunities to improve payroll and HR processes.
* Drive automation initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce manual work.
* Document and standardize payroll and compensation processes.
* Collaborate with HRIS teams to optimize systems and workflows.
Compensation & Benefits
* Manage and calculate ad hoc compensation elements (bonuses, incentives, equity/participation plans, etc.).
* Contribute to salary benchmarking and market analysis.
* Help design and maintain salary grids and compensation structures.
* Partner with Talent Management on compensation reviews and cycles.
Budget & Reporting
* Monitor payroll and compensation budgets in collaboration with Finance.
* Prepare regular reports and dashboards (headcount, payroll costs, compensation analysis).
* Provide insights and recommendations to support decision-making.
Qualifications
Experience & Skills
* 5+ years of experience in payroll, ideally in an international or fast-paced environment.
* Strong knowledge of payroll processes, accounting principles, and compliance.
* Strong knowledge of Swiss payroll and Swiss labor laws & regulations.
* Experience with payroll systems and HRIS.
* Solid analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
* Exposure to Compensation & Benefits topics (benchmarking, salary structures, bonus schemes) is a strong plus.
Soft Skills
* High level of accuracy and reliability.
* Strong organizational and prioritization skills.
* Ability to work cross-functionally with HR, Finance, and external providers.
* Proactive mindset with a continuous improvement approach.
* Strong communication skills and ability to explain complex topics clearly.
Additional Information
SQ2