Payroll Specialist (Italian Speaker)

Role Overview

The Payroll Specialist will join an external Global Business Services Hub and support payroll and HR administration for the Italian market. This position will help ensure that employees and managers receive an accurate, timely, and compliant service in line with agreed performance and service standards. Working closely with the Italian HR team, Finance, and Labour Relations, this professional will contribute to the complete payroll cycle while supporting the consistency, reliability, and ongoing development of administrative processes.

Key Responsibilities

The Payroll Specialist will process payroll inputs and validate time-related information, including attendance, leave, overtime, holidays, sickness, maternity leave, and workplace injury cases. This professional will maintain accurate employee data in HR and payroll platforms, support monthly payroll checks and reconciliations, and manage the administrative stages of the employment lifecycle, from onboarding and contractual amendments to termination. The role will also assist with Italian statutory submissions and obligations, monitor compliance with local employment legislation and relevant collective bargaining agreements, and escalate complex matters when appropriate. Additional responsibilities will include resolving employee enquiries through a ticketing platform, maintaining reliable records and audit trails, supporting payroll reviews and contribution reconciliations, and producing validated reports for internal stakeholders. The position will also contribute to the standardisation, automation, and continuous improvement of payroll operations.

Requirements

The position requires a bachelor's degree in Economics, Law, Human Resources, or a related area, although equivalent professional experience may also be considered. The successful candidate will bring between two and four years of experience in payroll or HR administration, preferably gained within a structured or international organisation. Fluency in Italian and a good command of written and spoken English are essential. Previous exposure to Italian payroll requirements, employment legislation, collective bargaining agreements, and statutory processes will be advantageous but is not mandatory. Familiarity with HR and payroll systems, particularly SAP HR or ADP, is preferred, together with solid Microsoft Excel and reporting capabilities. An understanding of the relationship between payroll, accounting, and finance processes will also be valued. Strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, sound prioritisation, and a service-focused mindset are essential, as are adaptability, effective communication, problem-solving ability, and composure when working under pressure or within strict deadlines.