Payroll specialist- Senior Executive Roles

Payroll Specialist in Senior Executive compensation and taxes.

Location: MadridDepartment: Global Payroll and C&BReports to: Head of Compensation &

Benefits

Employment Type: Full-timeWe are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our Global Payroll team, supporting the payroll and tax administration of senior executives and key leadership people in our organization.

This role is focused on managing complex payroll scenarios, executive compensation arrangements, equity-related payments, expatriate and mobility cases, and sophisticated tax matters. The successful candidate will work closely with HR, Finance, Tax, Legal, and external advisors to ensure accurate, compliant, and confidential payroll operations for a high-profile employee group within a global organization.

This position offers significant opportunities for professional growth and exposure to international Ppayroll, executive compensation, global mobility, and strategic reward programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for senior executives and leadership populations.
• Administer complex compensation elements, including bonuses, long-term incentive plans, equity awards, deferred compensation, retention programs, and executive benefits.
• Ensure accurate payroll taxation and social security treatment across multiple countries and jurisdictions.
• Support payroll compliance related to international assignments, tax equalization, shadow payrolls, and cross-border employment arrangements.
• Partner with Global Mobility and Tax teams to manage expatriate payroll requirements and executive tax matters.
• Review and validate payroll calculations, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality, and compliance with local legislation and company policies.
• Coordinate with external payroll providers, tax consultants, and auditors.
• Prepare payroll reports, reconciliations, and executive compensation analyses for internal stakeholders.
• Support internal and external audits related to payroll and executive compensation.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and enhanced controls within payroll operations.
• Monitor legislative changes affecting payroll taxation, executive compensation, and employment regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, Law, or a related field.
• Proven experience in payroll administration within a multinational environment.
• Strong knowledge of payroll taxation, social security regulations, and payroll compliance.
• Experience handling complex payroll cases involving senior executives, international assignees, or highly compensated employees.
• Advanced Excel and payroll systems knowledge.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• High level of discretion and ability to manage confidential information.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Fluent English (written and spoken).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with executive compensation programs and equity-based remuneration.
• Knowledge of global mobility, expatriate taxation, and shadow payroll processes.
• Professional certifications in payroll, taxation, accounting, or reward management.
• Experience working with global payroll vendors and multi-country payroll operations.

Additional languages are an advantage.

What We Offer

Opportunity to work in a highly international and dynamic environment.

Exposure to executive compensation, global payroll strategy, and cross-border tax matters.

Collaboration with senior leadership and global business stakeholders.

Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

Flexible working arrangements and a collaborative culture.

Location : MadridOur client is aware of the importance of people for the success of the organization, and is aware that employee motivation is essential for the proper functioning of the organization. It is committed to meeting the expectations of the people who make up the team, paying special attention to their well-being and personal and professional development.

Our Company thanks all candidates in advance for their interest and informs that only those selected will be contacted for an interview.