Job Specifications
Payroll Lead
Job Overview
Our client is seeking an experienced, detail-driven Payroll Lead to join their HR Operations function in the UK, supporting payroll delivery across Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden, Germany, and Slovakia.
This is a hands-on, individual contributor role with end-to-end ownership of multi-country payroll processes. The role is pivotal in ensuring payroll accuracy, statutory compliance, and a smooth employee experience across multiple European jurisdictions.
Working closely with HR, Finance, and external payroll providers, the Payroll Lead will act as the regional subject-matter expert for payroll operations, strengthening controls, improving data integrity, and driving continuous improvement — without line management responsibility.
Key Responsibilities
In this role, you will:
Manage end-to-end monthly payroll processing across multiple European countries, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with local statutory requirements
Validate, reconcile, and audit payroll inputs and outputs, including new starters, leavers, salary changes, bonuses, and statutory deductions
Act as the primary operational contact for HR, Finance, and external payroll providers to resolve discrepancies and ensure smooth payroll delivery
Maintain accurate, secure, and audit-ready payroll records in line with local retention legislation and internal policies
Respond to payroll-related queries from employees and managers, providing clear, professional, and timely support
Monitor changes in payroll legislation and ensure payroll processes and controls remain fully compliant across all supported jurisdictions
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance payroll accuracy, efficiency, and overall employee experience
Develop and maintain comprehensive payroll process documentation, including process maps and country-specific requirements, to support operational consistency and knowledge sharing
Experience & Capability Profile
This role would suit someone who brings:
3–5+ years’ experience in payroll processing, ideally within a multi-country or shared services environment
Strong working knowledge of payroll legislation and statutory requirements across multiple European jurisdictions (Nordics experience highly desirable)
Proven experience managing payroll through external providers and complex stakeholder environments
Advanced experience using payroll and HR systems (e.g. ADP, Workday, ServiceNow, or similar platforms)
Exceptional attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage strict monthly deadlines
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a continuous improvement mindset
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex payroll matters clearly and confidently
A strong commitment to confidentiality, compliance, and high professional standards
About the Company
Career Moves Group is a certified B Corp(tm) and women-owned boutique recruitment agency with over 15 years of experience. Specialising in business-critical roles across Finance, HR, Marketing, PR & Communications, Office Support and Tech, we're committed to sustainable, inclusive hiring practices. Our tailored recruitment solutions span executive search, permanent placements, and contingent workforce solutions, offering our clients access to diverse, innovative talent pools. As a WeConnect certified business, we champion su...
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