Payroll Specialist, Europe (12m FTC) in Warrington

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

In this role you will be responsible for assisting and providing an effective and efficient EMEA payroll operation. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, you as the EMEA Payroll Specialist will be working with outsourced providers/bureaus to ensure compliance with country specific legislation.

This is a 12 month fixed-term contract.

Major Accountabilities

• Payroll processing: Responsible for the processing of 4 EMEA outsourced monthly payrolls across 4 countries; Ireland, Netherlands, Germany, Austria (~472 associates). Ensure all payrolls are processed accurately and on time, in line with bureau deadlines. Liaising with bureaus and HR to ensure payrolls are processed in accordance with up-to-date payroll legislation & collective bargaining agreements.
• Payroll administration: Answering queries, managing month end tasks with regards to leaver documentation & payslips across the relevant countries. Calculation and processing manual payroll calculations and adhoc payments. Ensure payslip compliance with bureau assistance. Processing overtime, pay increases, bonus, calculation of backpay and all other payroll related addition/deductions. Ensuring all ‘leave types’ are processed in accordance with legislation (e.g. holiday pay, parental leave etc.). Manage workload peaks to ensure payroll cutoffs are effectively covered. Year-end & Start of Year processes – across all relevant countries. Ensuring timely and accurate payment of taxes and pensions. Assist with audit queries. Support EU Government legislative returns. Document and update processes. Ensuring payroll checklists are maintained and completed in full each month. Understanding requirements for GDPR and maintaining records. Assisting with projects. Cross checking other payrolls to provide ‘four eyes approach’. Working closely with colleagues to maintain a smooth payroll operation & providing cover for other team members when required.
• Benefits: Working with EMEA colleagues to process benefits across the European region; processing via the bureau, accurate and in line with up-to-date payroll legislation & collective bargaining agreements. Accurate tracking any membership data and submissions, where applicable. Company car, payroll related deduction processing.
• Third Party Payment Administration: Ensuring relevant EU payroll taxes are paid on time. Processing & tracking pensions & related payments, for the relevant EU countries. Maintaining EU bureau invoicing tracker.
• Management Information / Reporting: Maintain records per payroll in line with specific country requirements. Month end administration tasks and reporting.
• Relationships / Communication: Manage relationships with all bureaus and ensure we receive effective support and customer service in line with service agreements. Deliver excellent customer service to all associates in relation to any pay queries. Build strong, effective working relationships with Finance and HR and wider business. Communicating effectively with the business with regards to payroll deadlines, to ensure everyone understands what is expected.
• Financials: Providing payroll journals to Finance and helping with queries. Understanding payroll accounting, and oncosts to prepare financial reporting for stakeholders. Above all else, maintain confidentiality, at all times.

Requirements for Success

• Relevant number of years of experience in a similar Payroll role.
• EMEA payroll experience required.
• Experience of dealing with payroll bureau’s essential.
• CIPP part qualified is desirable.
• High accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines in a busy environment.
• Flexible to changes in a progressive business.
• Task driven and team player essential.
• Good communicator (written and verbal).
• Quick learner.
• Excellent time organization.
• Excellent Excel skills (pivot tables, v-lookups) and Word required.

Benefits

• Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
• Private Medical Insurance
• Dental Scheme
• Pension Scheme
• Flexible Working Hours (07:00 – 10:00 start, 15:00 -18:00 finish)
• Hybrid working (3 days on-site)
• 25 days Annual Leave per year
• Life Insurance
• On Site Gym
• Employee Discount
• Opportunity to work abroad for four weeks per year
• Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support).

Equal Opportunity Employer

New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion. If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.