Senior Payroll Specialist (4-Month Contract)

Michael Page seeks a Senior Payroll Specialist for a 4-month on-site contract in Geneva. The role involves overseeing end-to-end payroll operations for a transforming international client.

This position serves as the central payroll subject matter expert for a leading international organization currently navigating significant changes within its HR and Finance departments. Reporting directly to HR leadership, the specialist manages the relationship with an external payroll provider, ensuring that all payroll activities are accurate, compliant, and efficiently processed during this period of transition.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main liaison between the internal business units and the outsourced payroll vendor.
• Oversee monthly payroll cycles, verifying inputs, outputs, reconciliations, and related reports for accuracy.
• Address payroll inquiries from employees, HR, Finance, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure strict adherence to local labor laws, tax regulations, and internal company policies.
• Assist with month-end and year-end payroll closing activities.
• Identify potential risks, process inefficiencies, and control gaps within existing payroll workflows.
• Lead initiatives to standardize and improve payroll processes.
• Participate in payroll transformation projects, including mapping processes, documenting procedures, and implementing best practices.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, and external partners to strengthen payroll governance.
• Create and maintain up-to-date payroll procedures, controls, and documentation.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer activities to support the ongoing transition.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in payroll operations within complex, international environments.
• Deep understanding of payroll controls, operational workflows, and compliance standards.
• Proven track record of managing relationships with external payroll service providers.
• Experience leading or contributing to payroll transformation, optimization, or process improvement projects.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work autonomously and prioritize tasks in a fast-paced setting.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Fluent proficiency in English is required.

Nice to have

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Hands-on experience with HRIS platforms and payroll systems.
• Ability to communicate in languages other than English.

What the company offers

• A strategic role within a well-known international organization.
• Chance to drive transformation and continuous improvement efforts.
• Experience in a dynamic, multicultural workplace.
• Immediate start available for an initial four-month contract period.

About the company

The client is a prominent international company currently undergoing a period of transformation and transition within its HR and Finance functions. This environment offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic, multicultural setting while contributing to significant operational changes.

• Leading international organization.
• Period of transformation and transition in HR and Finance.
• Dynamic, multicultural environment.