Payroll Specialist

Frontier Economics is an economics consultancy that tackles the big questions facing governments, businesses and society. We help our clients to analyse and understand their markets and to formulate strategies based on sound economics. The methods and models we use are often complex, but our advice is always succinct, clear and honest .

The company has grown rapidly since it was founded almost 27 years ago and currently has around 500 staff working across nine European offices (Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Cologne, Dublin, London, Madrid, Paris and Prague). The company is employee-owned and has a strong culture of openness and employee engagement.

• The Finance Team is responsible for all accounting and financial operations across the firm. This includes payroll, financial reporting, accounts preparation, invoicing, and supporting strategic decision-making through financial insight. The team works closely with stakeholders across the business to ensure accurate and efficient financial processes.
• The German Payroll Specialist supports the delivery of accurate and timely payroll services across Frontier, with a primary focus on German payroll. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, you will take ownership of German payroll processes and play a key role in transitioning payroll activities in-house.
• You will also provide support across other payrolls as required, as part of a collaborative Finance function.
• German Payroll:
• Own and manage the end-to-end monthly German payroll process, currently delivered with external providers and transitioning to an in-house model.
• Collate, validate, and process payroll inputs including joiners, leavers, salary changes, bonuses, and absences.
• Review payroll outputs, ensuring accuracy of gross-to-net calculations, tax (Lohnsteuer), and social security (Sozialversicherung) deductions.
• Ensure compliance with German payroll legislation and statutory reporting requirements.
• Act as a key point of contact for external payroll providers, tax advisors, and local authorities.
• Support the implementation and optimisation of a new in-house payroll system, including process design, testing, and data validation.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure documentation is audit-ready.
• Other Payroll Support:
• Provide support across other payrolls as required (e.g. UK and other European locations).
• Assist with payroll inputs, reconciliations, and payment processes.
• Provide cover during peak periods or team absences.
• Respond to payroll-related queries from employees across different jurisdictions.
• Compliance & Reporting:
• Ensure timely and accurate submission of German payroll filings, including ELStAM updates and social security reporting.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing documentation and responding to queries.
• Ensure payroll processes are compliant, well-documented, and continuously improved.
• Assist with any required declarations or reporting related to benefits and taxable allowances.
• Ensure accurate year-end reconciliation of payroll accounts, taxes, and social security contributions.
• Benefits & Employee Support:
• Support the administration of employee benefits (e.g. pensions, health insurance).
• Provide timely and professional responses to employee payroll queries.
• Handle sensitive payroll data with a high level of confidentiality and integrity.
• Continuous Improvement & Project Support:
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and enhance data accuracy.
• Collaborate with Finance, IT, and external providers to improve systems and workflows.
• Play an active role in payroll-related projects, particularly the transition to in-house German payroll.

• This role requires strong technical payroll knowledge, attention to detail, and the ability to work across systems and jurisdictions.
• Proven experience managing or processing German payroll, with strong knowledge of local regulations.
• Experience working with HR systems such as Workday (or similar HCM platforms).
• Experience using payroll systems and the ability to quickly adapt to new software.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• ## Desirable:
• Experience supporting payrolls in multiple countries.
• Experience transitioning payroll from outsourced to in-house models.
• Familiarity with payroll systems such as DATEV, ADP, SD Worx, or similar.
• Experience within a professional services or similar environment