Summary: We are seeking a Senior Payroll Transition Specialist to lead complex payroll transformation initiatives across EMEA, specifically in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands. This role involves hands-on management of payroll transitions, ensuring accurate outcomes through testing, validation, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in German payroll and experience with ADP Celergo. This position is a 12-month contract focused on delivering successful payroll transitions end-to-end, requiring collaboration with payroll teams, vendors, and various stakeholders. The role also includes training payroll teams and embedding strong payroll controls to mitigate risks.
Title: Senior Payroll Specialist
Description: We’re looking for a hands-on Senior Payroll Transition Specialist to support multiple complex payroll transformation initiatives across EMEA. This is not a PMO or governance role — we need someone who thrives in the detail, working directly with payroll teams, vendors, and stakeholders to deliver successful payroll transitions end-to-end. You’ll play a key role in: Payroll vendor transitions in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands Migration from ADP Streamline to ADP Celergo (Germany) *12 Month Contract What You’ll Be Doing: Payroll Transition & Implementation Lead end-to-end payroll transitions across multiple countries Own payroll testing: strategy, scripting, execution, and defect resolution Support UAT, parallel runs, and go-live readiness Ensure accurate payroll outcomes through validation and reconciliation Operational Readiness Create clear SOPs, procedures, and work instructions Translate complex payroll and legislative requirements into practical processes Ensure smooth knowledge transfer from vendors to internal teams Stakeholder & Vendor Management Act as the payroll SME across Payroll, HR, Finance, and vendors Challenge vendors constructively and ensure delivery quality Bridge technical payroll detail with business understanding Training & Enablement Train payroll teams on new systems, processes, and controls Build long-term capability within teams Risk & Compliance Embed strong payroll controls (approvals, reconciliations, audit readiness) Identify and mitigate payroll and statutory risks What We’re Looking For: Essential: Proven experience delivering payroll transitions or implementations Strong Germany payroll expertise (mandatory) Experience with ADP Celergo Deep knowledge of: -Gross-to-net processing -Statutory reporting -Payroll controls & compliance Hands-on experience with: -Payroll testing & UAT -Parallel runs -Data validation & reconciliation Desirable: Belgium and/or Netherlands payroll experience Experience with outsourced payroll & Social Secretaries German or Dutch language skills
