Senior Payroll Analyst DACH & POLAND

Job Title: Advanced Specialist, Payroll (DACH & Poland)

Description: A senior payroll operations specialist responsible for delivering accurate, compliant multi‑country payroll, resolving complex cases, driving process improvements, and acting as a regional subject‑matter expert, commonly titled Senior Payroll Specialist, Payroll Operations Specialist or Global Payroll Specialist in the market.

At Pearson, we help people realise the life they imagine through learning. We’re the world’s lifelong-learning company, operating in 70 countries, blending content, assessment, services and technology to enable more effective teaching and personalised learning at scale.

Role Summary

The Advanced Specialist, Payroll will aid in leading regional initiatives focused on standardization, compliance, process improvements, and supporting our global payroll strategy. This position requires advanced technical knowledge and sound judgment to manage complex payroll cases, benefit reconciliations, and exception handling.

You will be responsible for validating and approving payroll cycles within established thresholds, conducting in-depth audits, and resolving escalated issues that demand a detailed understanding of local regulations and company policies.

Collaboration is at the core of this role as you’ll partner closely with Finance on reconciliations and reporting, with HR for policy clarifications, and with other business areas during special pay events. While this is not a people management role, you’ll serve as a mentor and subject matter expert, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence across the payroll function.

Based on performance, the Advanced Specialist, Payroll may expand their remit to additional European countries, including France, and take a lead role in regional transformation efforts

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure timely, accurate, and compliant payroll processing within DACH region and Poland
• Validate and approve pay cycles, ensuring adherence to defined thresholds and internal controls.
• Perform deep-dive audits and reconcile payroll accounts in collaboration with Finance.
• Manage and resolve complex payroll issues and employee escalations with professionalism and empathy.
• Partner with HR, Finance, and IT to ensure data accuracy and system integrity during audits, upgrades, and reporting cycles.
• Identify opportunities for automation and process improvement to enhance efficiency and reduce risk.
• Provide expert advice and mentorship to peers on payroll best practices, compliance, and technical matters

Key Performance Indicators

• Exceptional accuracy in payroll processing and approvals, with minimal error rates in high-value transactions.
• On-time completion of reconciliations, audits, and payroll cycles.
• Demonstrated delivery of process improvements reducing manual interventions or risks.
• Consistent compliance with internal controls, audit standards, and regulatory requirements.

• Effective resolution of escalations and stakeholder satisfaction with payroll services.

Behavioural Expectations

• Customer Centricity: Handle sensitive payroll matters with care, transparency, and respect for employee confidentiality.

• Raise the Performance Bar: Continuously seek innovation and efficiency through automation and process optimization.

• Collaborate for Value: Build strong partnerships across HR, Finance, and IT to ensure seamless payroll integration.

• Lead and Inspire: Share expertise openly, mentor peers, and promote analytical and problem-solving growth within the team.

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. We actively seek qualified candidates from all backgrounds.

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