manager payroll emea 4961396

The Payroll Manager leads payroll operations for assigned processes at the EMEA Global Business Services Strategic Location in Thessaloniki, Greece. The role is responsible for managing and coordinating the end-to-end payroll process to ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery adhering to all statutory, regulatory, and company requirements. 

Leading a team of payroll professionals, the Payroll Manager oversees daily operations, monitors performance against key metrics and ensures effective issue resolution and stakeholder communication. The role works closely with HR Services Teams, PX, Finance, Compliance and external vendors to ensure SLAs and quality metrics are met. This role provides input to senior management that may have an impact on business direction within the team. 

The Payroll Manager supports the implementation of payroll policies, process improvement initiatives and aligns with the company's financial goals for the team. The role plays a critical role in ensuring team alignment on payroll priorities and identifying developmental opportunities for team members. 

This role will promote Pfizer’s Purpose, Values, and the GBS culture by engaging and leading a team of qualified and diverse CS colleagues. 

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Execute activities associated with the assigned payroll processes which include but are not limited to: 

• Ensure a robust operation for the processes and cluster of markets under management, by ensuring country/system/process work instructions for their scope are up-to-date, payroll controls are executed on time, as designed and are documented, back-ups are trained, active and operational, teams are properly staffed, and workload is appropriately distributed among team members   

• Instill a right-the-first time mindset to the team  

• Sign off payroll for the countries under management  

• Ensure all payroll regulatory requirements are met timely and accurately for the countries under management  

• Monitor changes in the regulatory environment, impacting managed countries and ensure that operations remain compliant with those regulations.   

• Second level of escalation; solve time sensitive and critical/complex issues efficiently and independently with internal and external stakeholders, and third-party vendors.    

• Build trust relationships with key stakeholders (PX, Finance, Incentives Team, Payroll Vendors etc.)  

• Monitor Vendor Management performance and drive corrective actions as needed  

• Perform end-to-end people management activities; manage performance for direct and indirect staff and support achieving payroll objectives through goal setting, ongoing assessment & monitoring and coaching  

• Monitor and evaluate team performance through established Metrics and KPIs; align operations and resources accordingly  

• Identify opportunities and implement continuous improvement initiatives  

• Drive transformational payroll projects and initiatives and ensure timely completion of project milestones 

• Represent Payroll at Senior Level during payroll audits and compliance checks and ensures any issues are brought to management attention and drives resolution  

• Ensure the payroll budget is met as per financial planning (Vendors, Headcount, non-Headcount) 

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources or other related field required

• 5+ years work experience in payroll, accounting or human resources

• Extensive experience with payroll systems and software

• Demonstrated experience in leading a team

• Strong understanding of payroll tax regulations and compliance

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills

• Ability to maintain privacy and confidentiality 

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities 

• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills

• Effective communication and interpersonal skills

• Experience in conducting audits and implementing recommendations

• Familiarity with HRIS and ERP systems

• Root cause analysis and problem-solving skills 

• Result-oriented with a strong drive to accomplish objectives and meet high standards 

• Sound professional judgement and persistence 

• A positive attitude 

• Able to communicate effectively in English (spoken & written) with colleagues at all levels of the organization 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Certified Payroll Professional (CPP) designation

• Master’s degree in business or related field  

• Experience in a large corporate environment

• Knowledge of multinational payroll regulations

• Experience with Workday, ADP, Core HR, SAP, payroll and time/attendance systems  

• Additional language capabilities are a plus 

• Experience using common AI tools, including generative technologies such as ChatGPT or Microsoft Copilot, to support problem solving and enhance productivity. Demonstrated curiosity for exploring how these tools can improve outcomes and understanding of responsible AI practices, including risk management and ethical use