French Payroll Specialist (Interim) in Reading

Seeking an interim French Payroll Specialist to assist the wider EMEA payroll function with day to day BAU for a key client of ours, within the IT industry. This is an immediate start and rolling contract (minimum 6 months term).

Client Details

• Global leader in their respective field
• Operating in 15+ countries
• Highly acquisitive - steady growth business across EMEA, LATAM and US
• 2,000 employees+ globally
• Headquartered in the states, office in Reading
• Free parking on site
• Multi-award winning organisation

Description

• Manage the end-to-end French payroll process, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
• Liaise with external payroll providers and monitor service delivery against agreed standards.
• Review and validate payroll input data, identifying and resolving discrepancies prior to payroll processing.
• Prepare payroll-related accounting entries and support monthly reconciliation activities.
• Ensure statutory payroll payments, including taxes, social contributions and pension-related obligations, are approved and submitted within required deadlines.
• Support the processing of equity-related compensation, including share plans, stock awards and other incentive programmes where applicable.
• Maintain and update payroll procedures, documentation and standard operating processes.
• Ensure payroll processes comply with internal controls, audit requirements and relevant legislation.
• Respond to employee, manager and stakeholder payroll queries in a professional and timely manner.
• Assist with year-end activities and statutory reporting requirements.
• Partner with internal teams including HR, Finance and external vendors to ensure payroll accuracy and compliance.
• Support internal and external audit requests by providing payroll documentation and reporting as required.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the wider payroll function to provide support and ensure continuity of service.
• Contribute to payroll improvement initiatives, including process standardisation, automation and continuous improvement projects.

Profile

• Fluency in French and English (essential)
• Exposure to numerous in country vendors (highly desirable)
• Commutable distance of Reading (2x days per week)
• Previous experience processing French payroll within an in-house or outsourced environment (essential)
• Strong understanding of French payroll legislation, taxation and social security requirements.
• Experience working with external payroll providers.
• Knowledge of payroll accounting, reconciliations and payroll journals.
• Experience handling complex payroll elements such as bonuses, commissions, benefits and equity programmes would be advantageous.

Job Offer

• Day rate: c. (Apply online only) per day (inclusive of holiday pay)
• Rolling contract (interim) c. 6 months
• 2x days per week on site, free parking
• Hybrid working
• Adjustable working hours (40 hours per week - early start for early finish for example)
• Reading location
• High likelihood of extension