Payroll Specialist (EMEA, France Focus)Northampton (Hybrid – 3 days in office per week)Salary DOE Monday – Friday 8-4 or 9-5Our market leading, global client are looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist to join them overseeing payroll operations across the EMEA region, with a particular focus on France. You will manage all aspects of payroll processing, ensure compliance with statutory requirements, and provide expert support to employees and stakeholders.Key Responsibilities:

• Accurately process payroll for salaried, hourly, and commissioned employees, including all tax withholdings and deductions.
• Maintain and update employee payroll records and address any related issues.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related queries, including calculations for overtime, bonuses, and commissions.
• Ensure timely and compliant payroll filings and statutory reporting, including correspondence with local tax authorities.
• Manage responses to government notices and ensure adherence to all statutory obligations.
• Support change initiatives, process improvements, and the development of local work instructions.
• Handle escalations, guide colleagues, and ensure readiness for monthly payroll runs.
• Administer operational governance, lead team training sessions, and support capability development across the payroll function.

Expectations of the Assistant Vice President RoleAs an AVP, you will be expected to:

• Provide expert advice, contribute to policy development, and enhance operational effectiveness.
• Lead a team in delivering complex tasks with high business impact.
• Set goals, coach employees, evaluate performance, and contribute to reward decisions.

• Lead collaborative projects and guide colleagues through complex assignments.
• Identify cross-functional opportunities and ensure delivery of high-quality outcomes.
• Provide expert advice to resolve escalated payroll issues and mitigate operational risk.
• Influence key stakeholders and communicate complex information effectively and sensitively.

What We’re Looking For

• 3–5+ years of experience in payroll.
• Fluent in French, with strong understanding of French payroll legislation.
• Proven ability to make decisions considering policy, legislation, and business objectives.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills at a senior level.
• Experience resolving complex issues and working collaboratively in a team environment.
• Skilled in resource planning, process optimisation, and operational change implementation.
• Strong understanding of governance, controls, and risk management.
• Demonstrated success in leading and developing others.

Desirable Skills:

• In-depth knowledge of EMEA payroll legislation, particularly in France.
• Familiarity with continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills.