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- Tasks: Lead payroll transitions and ensure smooth operations across EMEA.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on payroll transformation initiatives.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working arrangements, and professional growth opportunities.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with opportunities to challenge yourself and grow.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming payroll processes in multiple countries.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll transitions, especially with ADP Celergo and German payroll.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Payroll Transition Specialist to provide hands-on, delivery-focused support for multiple complex payroll transformation initiatives across EMEA. This role will lead the end-to-end payroll transition activities for:
- Payroll vendor changes in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands
- Transition of Germany ADP streamline Payroll to ADP Celergo Payroll
This is a delivery role, not a governance or PMO position. The successful candidate will work directly with payroll teams, vendors, and stakeholders to support with payroll test scripts, test, document SOPs, train existing teams and stabilise payroll operations through transition and go-live.
Key Responsibilities
- Payroll Transition & Implementation
- Lead hands-on payroll transition activities from incumbent vendors/platforms to new providers/systems
- Actively support payroll teams through data readiness, User Test Scripts, UAT, validation, and parallel runs to go live
- Own and execute end-to-end payroll testing, including:
- Payroll test strategy and approach
- Detailed payroll test scripts (unit, integration, parallel)
- Test execution and defect resolution
- Drive successful parallel payroll runs, ensuring accuracy, reconciliation, and sign-off prior to go-live
- Develop clear, practical payroll procedures, SOPs, and work instructions
- Translate complex legislative and system outputs into usable operational documentation
- Ensure knowledge transfer from vendors into internal payroll teams
- Support the establishment of robust post-go-live support models
- Act as the day-to-day payroll SME working with:
- Internal payroll teams
- HRIS
- HR Operations
- Finance
- External payroll vendors and local partners (e.g. Social Secretaries)
- Train payroll teams on:
- New payroll vendors/platforms
- Updated processes and controls
- Ensure payroll controls are embedded during transition, including:
- L1 / L2 approval frameworks
- Reconciliation and variance analysis
Required Experience & Skills
- Proven, hands-on experience delivering payroll transitions or payroll implementations
- ADP Celergo Payroll experience
- Strong operational payroll expertise in Germany (mandatory)
- Experience with Belgium and/or Netherlands payrolls (highly desirable)
- Deep understanding of:
- Statutory reporting
- Payroll controls and audit requirements
- Payroll testing
- Parallel runs
- Data validation and reconciliation
Highly Desirable
- Experience with outsourced payroll models and Social Secretaries
- Prior exposure to EMEA payroll governance frameworks
- Fluent English; German/Dutch language skills a strong advantage
Personal Attributes
- Hands-on, pragmatic, and delivery-oriented
- Comfortable “in the detail” of payroll
- Confident challenging vendors and assumptions
- Strong communicator with payroll, HR, and Finance stakeholders
Payroll Specialist in Basildon employer: ML
Contact Detail:
ML Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Specialist in Basildon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll industry, especially those who have experience with ADP Celergo or similar systems. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your payroll knowledge and understanding the specific challenges of transitioning payroll systems. We recommend practising common interview questions related to payroll transitions and being ready to share your hands-on experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your previous payroll transition projects, including any test scripts or SOPs you've developed. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Specialist in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Specialist role. Highlight your hands-on experience with payroll transitions and any specific knowledge of ADP Celergo Payroll. We want to see how your skills match our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past experiences in payroll transitions, especially in EMEA. Let your personality shine through while keeping it professional!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, don’t forget to mention how you've tackled challenges in previous payroll projects. We love candidates who can think on their feet and drive solutions, so give us the details on how you’ve made an impact!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at ML
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of payroll systems, especially ADP Celergo and the specific payroll regulations in Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but also understand the practical implications.
✨Prepare for Hands-On Scenarios
Since this role is all about delivery, be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've led payroll transitions or implementations. Think about specific challenges you faced, how you resolved them, and what the outcomes were. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving skills.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
You'll need to work closely with various teams and vendors, so highlight your ability to communicate effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with payroll teams, HR, and finance stakeholders in the past. This will help illustrate your strong interpersonal skills.
✨Demonstrate Your Training Ability
Training teams on new processes is a key part of this role. Be ready to share experiences where you've trained others, developed SOPs, or facilitated knowledge transfer. This will show that you can build capability within teams rather than just creating dependency.