Job Description

The Payroll Specialist EMEA is responsible for the correct processing of all payroll changes within our company for a given market(s) and for informing HRSC, Tax, Finance, and HR colleagues regarding payroll-related questions. The Payroll Specialist reports to the Payroll Lead and joins a team of peers based regionally. The main office is in Lucerne (the location can be flexible). The role will mainly focus on Swiss payroll with potentially covering additional markets within the region.

The Payroll Specialist supports the structure of the payroll function and the way Payroll services are delivered. Furthermore, Payroll Specialist plays an important role in providing significant value to the entire sub-region’s organization by ensuring state-of-the-art Payroll processing, operations excellence, regulatory compliance, while acting as a liaison to multiple internal stakeholders.

For all activities, the Payroll Specialist demonstrates a continuous improvement mind-set to have issues solved at root cause as well as experience and a passion for delivering successful results with an inclusive team ethic.
 

Responsibilities:

Delivering end to end timely and accurate payroll for multiple assigned countries & entities in compliance with local laws and regulationsInputting data into databases and spreadsheetsMonitoring standard personnel and salary changesProcessing expats and commuters in coordination with Global Mobility and external providersManaging all payroll controls for SOX and other auditsCompiling all necessary approvals for bank paymentsContributing to the development and implementation of payroll policies, procedures, and internal controlsResponding to all internal and external inquiries related to payroll issues, social insurance, and taxationContributing to efforts to standardize, automate and improve Payroll & Benefits Administration processes across sites, leveraging best practices and reducing complexityCollaborating closely with all relevant parties, including the EMEA HR Service Delivery organization, HR Business Partners, and HR Centers of ExcellenceOn-boarding new hires and participating in training programs & initiativesEnsure an accurate and timely monthly, quarterly, and year-end close, including the account reconciliations of payroll-related balancesSupporting payroll peers with documentation of payroll systems, process optimization, and continuous improvementParticipating in projects and working groupsPayroll Reporting: Assist in generating accurate payroll reports, such as earnings statements, tax reports, and other payroll-related reports. Collaborate with the HR Shared Service team to distribute reports to employees and stakeholders as requiredContinuous Learning: Staying updated on payroll best practices

Qualifications, Skills & Experience Required: 

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Business or Accounting or another relevant Payroll qualification; in lieu of a degreeExperience in a multinational business environment, with focus on Switzerland Payroll for multiple entities. Experience in HR is a plusExperience with payroll processing with outsourced provider models (ADP, Celergo etc.) and working with HR systems (Workday, SAP)Excellent planning and organizational skills, ability to balance and prioritize workProven ability to maintain confidentiality, strong personal integrityExcellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to communicate relevant information to all levels of the organization, fluent in English (written and spoken), German would be an advantageDemonstrated ability to work in (international) teams and collaborate / partner effectively at all levels across the organization

What we offer

Exciting work in a great team, global projects, international environmentOpportunity to learn and grow professionally within the company globallyHybrid working model, flexible role patternPension and health insurance contributionsInternal reward system plus referral program5 weeks annual leave, 5 sick days, 15 days of certified sick leave paid above statutory requirements annually, 40 paid hours annually for volunteering activities, 12 weeks of parental contributionCafeteria for tax free benefits according to your choice (meal vouchers, Lítačka, sport, culture, health, travel, etc.), Multisport CardVodafone, Raiffeisen Bank, Foodora, and Mall.cz discount programsUp-to-date laptop and iPhoneParking in the garage, showers, refreshments, massage chairs, library, music cornerCompetitive salary, incentive pay, and many more

Our company is a global health care leader with a diversified portfolio of prescription medicines, vaccines and animal health products. The difference between potential and achievement lies in the spark that fuels innovation and inventiveness; this is the space where our company has codified its 130-year legacy. Our success is backed by ethical integrity, forward momentum, and an inspiring mission to achieve new milestones in global healthcare. 

We know that our people are the key to our success, which is why our Human Resources team works to attract, develop, retain and inspire our people so that they can learn, grow and make a true impact on the world. Together we collaborate to create a culturally rich, diverse organization ensuring we remain innovative and agile.

We are proud to be a company that embraces the value of bringing diverse, talented, and committed people together. The fastest way to breakthrough innovation is when diverse ideas come together in an inclusive environment. We encourage our colleagues to respectfully challenge one another’s thinking and approach problems collectively. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Current Employees apply HERE

Current Contingent Workers apply HERE

Search Firm Representatives Please Read Carefully 
Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, also known as Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC, Rahway, NJ, USA, does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place for this position will be deemed the sole property of our company.  No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place. Where agency agreements are in place, introductions are position specific. Please, no phone calls or emails. 

Employee Status:

Regular

Relocation:

VISA Sponsorship:

Travel Requirements:

Flexible Work Arrangements:

Remote

Shift:

Valid Driving License:

Hazardous Material(s):

Job Posting End Date:

02/28/2025

*A job posting is effective until 11:59:59PM on the day BEFORE the listed job posting end date. Please ensure you apply to a job posting no later than the day BEFORE the job posting end date.

Requisition ID:R330974