European Payroll Manager (6-month contract)

Position Overview

The Financial Administration team comprises about 35 professionals based in our Boston, Chicago and London offices. The team includes Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Billing, Financial Reporting, Payroll, Revenue, Tax, and Treasury. Our culture embraces a growth mindset: inspiring excellence and bringing expertise and innovation to the role every day with a key focus on outstanding customer service and an ongoing commitment to efficient, ethical practices.

In this role, you will be the primary contact for payroll in the European region and will be responsible for the accurate and prompt processing and preparation of the CRA's Monthly Payrolls in the UK, Australia and 6 other European countries. This position reports to the Director of Global Disbursements and Payroll Operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage relationships with third-party payroll providers in the UK, Australia and six European countries, ensuring service delivery meets company expectations and compliance standards.
• Collect, review, and validate payroll input data (including new hires, terminations, changes, bonuses, and deductions) for accurate processing by external vendors.
• Coordinate monthly payroll cycles, ensuring all deadlines are met and all payrolls are processed accurately and on time for each country.
• Review payroll outputs, reconcile discrepancies, and resolve any issues or queries with vendors or internal teams as needed.
• Stay current on local payroll regulations, statutory requirements, and changes in employment law across relevant European countries.
• Prepare, structure, and deliver detailed payroll reports and supporting documentation to the accounting department, ensuring all necessary information is available for accounting entries and audits.
• Assist in the implementation of new payroll processes, systems, or provider transitions as needed.
• Maintain and safeguard confidential payroll records in line with data privacy requirements (e.g. GDPR).
• Ensure timely and accurate governmental reporting and compliance, such as preparation of P11D's and PSAs for the UK, short‑term business visitors' agreements, etc.
• Work closely with Human Capital and the Benefits teams to resolve employee-related issues.
• Assist with Global Mobility issues and identify the need for shadow payrolls when required.
• Resolve payroll and vacation queries from employees.
• Prepare payroll documentation to satisfy internal and external audit requests.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in an accounting‑related field is a plus.
• Member of the Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals.
• Experience with ADP Freedom or ADP iHCM2 is desirable.
• 5 years' experience working in a manager role in payroll administration, preferably managing payroll across multiple European countries.
• Experience working with third‑party payroll vendors; knowledge of international payroll practices is highly desirable.
• Strong analytical skills with keen attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent organizational and time‑management skills to handle multiple deadlines and priorities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external vendors.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and experience with payroll/HRIS systems; familiarity with accounting principles is an advantage.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Experience with Oracle or another sophisticated ERP platform.
• Excellent customer service skills and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.

Work Location Flexibility

CRA creates a work environment that enables our colleagues to benefit from being together in the office to best deliver on our promise of career growth, mentorship and inclusivity. At the same time, we recognise that individuals realise a range of benefits when working from home periodically. We currently ask that individuals spend 3 to 4 days a week on average working in the office (which may include traveling to another CRA office or to a client's location), with specific days determined in coordination with your practice or team. At certain times of the year (e.g. holiday periods), additional remote work options are offered to those whose work commitments permit it, although our offices remain open for those who choose or need to be there.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Charles River Associates is an equal opportunity employer (Equality Act 2010). As part of our focus on equity and inclusion, we work to ensure a fair and consistent hiring process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.