ASAP: Senior Payroll Specialist France & Italy (m/w/d)

Zürich Interim Home Office View Job Description
Join a growing international organisation as a Senior Payroll Specialist, taking ownership of end-to-end payroll operations with a primary focus on France and Italy. Working closely with HR, Finance and external providers, you will ensure compliance, optimise processes and support Workday payroll integrations across a dynamic European environment.

Added 26/10/2026

  • 6-month contract | Start date: 10-15 November | Fully remote set up possible
  • Workday and multi-country payroll environment

About Our Client

Our client is a fast-growing international organisation known for its modern and people-focused culture. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced payroll professional who can quickly take ownership of payroll operations and support ongoing process improvement initiatives.

Job Description

  • Manage end-to-end payroll operations with primary responsibility for France and Italy, while supporting Spain and Portugal.
  • Coordinate and review payroll activities delivered by external payroll providers, ensuring accuracy and timely processing.
  • Ensure compliance with French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese payroll, tax and labour legislation.
  • Manage payroll inputs including salaries, bonuses, benefits, overtime and statutory deductions.
  • Prepare payroll reports, support reconciliations and partner with Finance on payroll-related controls.
  • Prepare and coordinate legally required payroll and employment documentation.
  • Serve as a key point of contact for employees, authorities, insurers and benefit providers.
  • Collaborate closely with HR, Finance and external vendors to ensure seamless payroll operations.
  • Own and optimise payroll data flows and integrations between Workday and external payroll providers.
  • Support audits, SOX-compliant controls and continuous payroll process improvements.
  • Handle complex employment scenarios, including international mobility and cross-border arrangements.
  • Contribute to payroll automation, standardisation initiatives and future country expansions

The Successful Applicant

  • 4+ years of payroll experience with strong expertise in France and/or Italy.
  • Excellent knowledge of French and/or Italian payroll legislation and compliance requirements.
  • Hands-on experience working with external payroll providers.
  • Experience in international, fast-paced or retail environments is advantageous.
  • Fluent English plus French and/or Italian preferred.
  • Strong knowledge of Workday and payroll system integrations.
  • Advanced Excel skills and strong analytical capabilities.
  • High attention to detail and ability to manage confidential information.
  • Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.

What's on Offer

  • High-visibility payroll ownership role
  • International and collaborative environment
  • Exposure to Workday optimisation projects
  • Opportunity to drive automation and process improvements
  • Broad stakeholder interaction across HR and Finance
  • Growing organisation with ongoing transformation initiatives
Quote job ref
JN-102026-7132838

Job summary

Job Function
Human Resources
Specialisation
HR Payroll
Industry
Retail
Where
Zürich
Contract Type
Interim
Job Reference
JN-102026-7132838
Job Nature
Home Office

Michael Page is an equal opportunity employer committed to workforce diversity, both as an employer as well as a recruitment service provider. Each recruitment decision we make for people we hire and people we place into new roles is based solely on the candidates’ knowledge, experience and skills.