Payroll Specialist

Griffith Foods is the caring, creative product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers while sustaining the planet. As a family business founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA, Griffith Foods is known for true, collaborative innovation guided by their Purpose of “We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World”. The company’s product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet. For more information, visit www.griffithfoods.com.

Purpose of the role:

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for the accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of payroll across multiple Continental- Europe countries. This role ensures payroll operations are aligned with local labor laws, tax regulations, and company policies while driving standardization and continuous improvement of payroll processes across the region. 

The Payroll Specialist will act as a key expert on international payroll and social legislation, collaborating closely with HR, Finance, and external payroll providers to ensure operational excellence and compliance. 

Role & responsibilities:

International Payroll Management 

• Oversee and ensure the accurate and timely processing of payroll for multiple Continental-Europe countries. 

• Manage and coordinate relationships with external payroll providers and local partners. 

• Validate payroll calculations, including salaries, bonuses, variable compensation, benefits, and statutory deductions. 

• Ensure payroll payments and statutory filings are completed accurately and on time. 

Compliance & Social Legislation 

• Monitor and interpret changes in local labor law, tax regulations, and social security requirements across the supported countries. 

• Ensure payroll operations remain fully compliant with local legislation and internal policies. 

• Implement required adjustments to payroll processes following regulatory changes. 

• Support internal and external audits related to payroll and statutory reporting. 

Governance & Process Optimization 

• Establish and maintain strong payroll governance, controls, and documentation. 

• Identify opportunities to harmonize and standardize payroll processes across countries. 

• Lead initiatives to improve payroll efficiency, automation, and data accuracy. 

• Contribute to payroll-related projects, including HRIS implementations or system improvements. 

Stakeholder Management 

• Act as the primary payroll expert for HR Business Partners, Finance, and leadership. 

• Provide guidance to local People teams on payroll-related topics and statutory requirements. 

• Build strong relationships with external payroll vendors and ensure service quality and performance. 

• Support employee queries related to payroll matters when required. 

Reporting & Analytics 

• Deliver payroll reporting and insights to People and Finance. 

• Monitor payroll metrics and ensure data integrity across systems. 

• Support budgeting, forecasting, and financial reconciliation processes related to payroll 

Skills & experience:

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Build strong, trusted relationships with HR, Finance, senior management, and external payroll providers across multiple countries. 

• Communication: Clearly explain complex payroll, legal, and compliance topics to non-experts in a concise, understandable way. 

• Influence & Advising: Provide expert guidance and recommendations to leadership and HR teams, balancing compliance, efficiency, and business needs. 

• Problem Solving & Negotiation: Resolve payroll discrepancies, disputes, or conflicts diplomatically and efficiently. 

• Cross-Cultural Awareness: Work effectively with diverse teams and adapt communication style to different cultural and organizational contexts. 

• 7+ years of experience in payroll, including international or multi-country payroll environments. 

• Strong knowledge of European payroll practices and social security regulations. 

• Experience managing external payroll vendors across multiple countries. 

• Familiarity with HRIS and payroll systems (e.g., Workday, Cloudpay, SAP, ADP, SD Worx, etc.). 

• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail. 

• Ability to manage complexity and work across different legal frameworks. 

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills. 

• Fluent in Dutch & English; additional European languages are a plus.