Frontier Economics

economics consultancy

PayrollSpecialist

Cologne, Germany FULL TIME Remote Friendly
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Mid+ candidates.

The Brief

“Payroll Specialist at Frontier Economics. Skills: German payroll processing, payroll system management, compliance, reporting. Own and manage the end-to-end monthly German payroll process. Collate, validate, and process payroll inputs”

What You'll Achieve.

delivery of accurate and timely payroll services across Frontier; transitioning payroll activities in-house; ensure accuracy of gross-to-net calculations, tax (Lohnsteuer), and social security (Sozialversicherung) deductions; Ensure compliance with German payroll legislation and statutory reporting requirements; Ensure timely and accurate submission of German payroll filings; Ensure accurate year-end reconciliation of payroll accounts, taxes, and social security contributions; enhance data accuracy

Industry & Context.

economics consultancy
Problems you'll solve

numerical and analytical skills with high attention to detail; Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and enhance data accuracy

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

Proven experience managing or processing German payroll, with knowledge of local regulations., Experience working with HR systems such as Workday (or similar HCM platforms)., Experience using payroll systems and the ability to quickly adapt to new software., numerical and analytical skills with high attention to detail., Excellent communication and organisational skills., Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Nice to Have

Experience supporting payrolls in multiple countries., Experience transitioning payroll from outsourced to in-house models., Familiarity with payroll systems such as DATEV, ADP, SD Worx, or similar., Experience within a professional services or similar environment.

What You'll Do.

Own and manage the end-to-end monthly German payroll process

and process payroll inputs

Review payroll outputs

ensuring accuracy of gross-to-net calculations

and social security (Sozialversicherung) deductions

Ensure compliance with German payroll legislation and statutory reporting requirements

Act as a key point of contact for external payroll providers

and local authorities

Support the implementation and optimisation of a new in-house payroll system

Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure documentation is audit-ready

Provide support across other payrolls as required

Assist with payroll inputs

and payment processes

Provide cover during peak periods or team absences

Respond to payroll-related queries from employees across different jurisdictions

Ensure timely and accurate submission of German payroll filings

Support internal and external audits

Ensure payroll processes are compliant

and continuously improved

Assist with any required declarations or reporting related to benefits and taxable allowances

Ensure accurate year-end reconciliation of payroll accounts

and social security contributions

Support the administration of employee benefits

Provide timely and professional responses to employee payroll queries

Handle sensitive payroll data with a high level of confidentiality and integrity

Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and enhance data accuracy

Collaborate with Finance

and external providers to improve systems and workflows

Play an active role in payroll-related projects

particularly the transition to in-house German payroll

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

works closely with stakeholders across the business to ensure accurate and efficient financial processes; part of a collaborative Finance function; Collaborate with Finance, IT, and external providers to improve systems and workflows

Communication Scope

Excellent communication and organisational skills; Provide timely and professional responses to employee payroll queries

Process & Methodology

Play an active role in payroll-related projects, particularly the transition to in-house German payroll

Full Job Description

**Frontier Economics** is an economics consultancy that tackles the big questions facing governments, businesses and society. We help our clients to analyse and understand their markets and to formulate strategies based on sound economics. The methods and models we use are often complex, but our advice is always succinct, clear and honest**.** The company has grown rapidly since it was founded almost 27 years ago and currently has around 500 staff working across nine European offices (Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Cologne, Dublin, London, Madrid, Paris and Prague). The company is employee-owned and has a strong culture of openness and employee engagement. The Finance Team is responsible for all accounting and financial operations across the firm. This includes payroll, financial reporting, accounts preparation, invoicing, and supporting strategic decision-making through financial insight. The team works closely with stakeholders across the business to ensure accurate and efficient financial processes. The German Payroll Specialist supports the delivery of accurate and timely payroll services across Frontier, with a primary focus on German payroll. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, you will take ownership of German payroll processes and play a key role in transitioning payroll activities in-house. You will also provide support across other payrolls as required, as part of a collaborative Finance function. This role requires strong technical payroll knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work across systems and jurisdictions. ## **What you’ll be doing:** German Payroll: * Own and manage the end-to-end monthly German payroll process, currently delivered with external providers and transitioning to an in-house model. * Collate, validate, and process payroll inputs including joiners, leavers, salary changes, bonuses, and absences. * Review payroll outputs, ensuring accuracy of gross-to-net calculations, tax (Lohnsteuer), and social security (Sozialversicherung

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