Senior Payroll Specialist

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Netherlands.

📋 Description

• Take full ownership of the Dutch payroll cycle internally, ensuring precision, compliance, and timely execution.

• Supervise the verification of payroll master data, encompassing hires, terminations, salary adjustments, variable compensation, benefits, absences, and garnishments.

• Conduct pre- and post-payroll checks, resolve discrepancies, and implement necessary corrective measures.

• Manage monthly Loonaangifte and annual Jaaropgave submissions to the Belastingdienst.

• Set up and oversee essential government access, including Belastingdienst and UWV.

• Configure and sustain the in-house payroll system and test legislative updates.

• Collaborate with Product to enhance payroll automation and scalability.

• Provide guidance to the business regarding Dutch wage tax, social insurance, labor law, 30% ruling applications, and CAO interpretation.

• Monitor payroll journals, GL mappings, finance reconciliations, and data integrity.

• Address complex client payroll escalations with a customer-centric approach.

• Generate statutory and ad-hoc reports, including those required for the EU Pay Transparency Directive, AVG/GDPR, WKR, and works council documentation.

• Supply data and documentation for both internal and external audits.

• Enhance processes, mentor junior specialists, support Regional Managers, and maintain payroll playbooks and standard operating procedures (SOPs).

⛳️ Requirements

• Over 5 years of experience managing the complete in-house payroll process for the Netherlands.

• Proficient in independently managing a high volume of payslips monthly.

• Advanced practical experience with AFAS and/or Nmbrs by Visma and/or Loket.nl.

• Certification/registration as a PDL, VPS, and/or NIRPA Register Salarisadministrateur (RSa).

• Extensive, up-to-date knowledge of Dutch wage tax, social insurance, and labor law.

• Capability to advise stakeholders directly on payroll issues.

• Proficiency in Dutch at C1/C2 level for engagement with local authorities.

• Fluent in English for effective collaboration with a global, asynchronous team.

• Experience in managing complex and sensitive client escalations.

• Analytical, productivity-driven, and automation-focused mindset.

• Comfortable developing processes from the ground up and functioning without a predefined playbook.

• Ability to operate in uncertain conditions and drive cross-functional change.

• Some experience in coaching or mentoring less experienced team members.

• Capability to work asynchronously in a fast-paced, remote-first environment.

• A broader accounting background or RA/AA accountancy qualification is preferred.

• Proven track record in managing cross-functional HR/payroll projects is preferred.

• Hands-on experience with AI tools for payroll or operational workflows is preferred.

• Strong data transformation capabilities and practical experience with data analytics platforms are preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• 40 days off annually (including holidays and vacation), or more if mandated by local regulations.

• Mental health support through Plumm.

• Monthly wellbeing allowance provided via the ThanksBen wallet.

• At least three months of paid parental leave for all new parents.

• Job security for up to 12 months or as required locally.

• Work-from-home stipend for laptop and home office equipment.

• Flexibility to work from anywhere as authorized.

• Asynchronous, collaborative, and remote-first work environment.