Payroll Lead

About the role

As Payroll Lead at Helsing, you will build and oversee a world-class global payroll operations organization, managing both internal teams and external partners. You'll serve as the operational authority for payroll across multiple regions and entities, ensuring accurate and compliant payroll delivery while coordinating with external providers.

What you'll do

• Oversee end-to-end global payroll processing and coordinate with external vendors across multiple regions and pay frequencies
• Guide and develop Payroll Specialists and outsourced partners, establishing performance standards and operational excellence
• Maintain integrity of employee pay data across multiple systems and HR, finance, and accounting pipelines
• Investigate and resolve complex payroll issues using root-cause analysis to eliminate recurrence
• Design payroll support operating model including workflows, escalation paths, and SLAs
• Build rigorous control environment ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and audit readiness
• Manage payroll accounting and social security audits with internal and external partners
• Architect payroll workflows using automation and AI-powered tools for improved efficiency

What you'll need

• Extensive experience overseeing global payroll operations in scaling environments with external provider relationships
• Deep foundational knowledge in finance, HR, law, or economics applied to payroll operations
• Global payroll coordination experience with comprehensive focus on Germany and DACH region
• Excellent working knowledge of global payroll regulations, tax requirements, and compliance standards
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with meticulous attention to detail
• Fluent communication in German and English for coordination with authorities, vendors, and stakeholders

Nice to have

• Background managing international payroll or tax advisory and integrating HRIS platforms with payroll systems
• Effective guidance skills, direct communication, and commitment to continuous professional growth

What they offer

• Competitive salary and stock options (ESOP)
• Relocation support up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation
• Learning allowance of €500/£450 yearly
• Health and wellness benefits including gym membership and mental health support
• Enhanced parental leave: 22 weeks for primary caregivers, 6 weeks for secondary
• Regular company events and monthly social allowances