We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Payroll Specialist to join our European Payroll team, with a primary focus on Germany.
In this role, you will be responsible for delivering accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing while partnering with internal stakeholders and external payroll providers. You will play a key role in ensuring adherence to local regulations, maintaining high service standards, and continuously improving payroll processes.
Role Summary
- Consolidate and validate payroll data from multiple internal systems and stakeholders
- Submit payroll inputs to external payroll service providers accurately and on time
- Review payroll calculations and collaborate with providers to resolve discrepancies
- Generate gross-to-net calculations and net pay reporting
- Coordinate and execute employee net salary payments
- Administer statutory obligations including taxes, social security, pensions, and insurance payments
- Ensure full compliance with audit, regulatory, and internal control requirements
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local German payroll legislation and regulatory changes
- Communicate legislative updates and payroll impacts to key business stakeholders
- Build strong cross-functional relationships with HR, Finance, Tax, Stock Administration, and Internal Audit teams
- Respond to and resolve employee payroll queries in a timely and professional manner
- Contribute to process improvements, automation initiatives, and payroll-related projects
- Support ad hoc tasks and special assignments as required
Required Experience & Qualifications
- Proven experience in payroll administration, preferably within a multinational or shared services environment
- Solid understanding of German payroll regulations, including taxation, social security, and employment legislation
- Experience working with external payroll vendors and managing end-to-end payroll processes
- Strong Microsoft Excel skills (advanced functions preferred); knowledge of PowerPoint and Access is advantageous
- Experience with ERP/payroll systems (e.g., PeopleSoft or similar) is desirable
- Fluent in German and English (written and verbal)
Work Model
We believe hybrid work is the way forward as we strive to provide flexibility wherever possible. Based on this role’s business requirements, this is a hybrid position requiring X days a week in a client or Cognizant office in city, state. Regardless of your working arrangement, we are here to support a healthy work-life balance though our various wellbeing programs
Core Skills & Competencies
- Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
- Excellent organizational and prioritization skills with the ability to meet tight deadlines
- Effective communication and stakeholder management skills
- Collaborative team player with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
- Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on enhancing processes and controls
- Customer-focused approach with a strong service orientation
About us
Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, building the bridge between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization’s unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, realize tangible returns and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.com or @cognizant.
Additional employment information
Compensation information is accurate as of the date of this posting. Cognizant reserves the right to modify this information at any time, subject to applicable law.
Applicants may be required to attend interviews in person or by video conference. In addition, candidates may be required to present their current state or government issued ID during each interview.
Cognizant is an equal opportunity employer. Your application and candidacy will not be considered based on race, color, sex, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
