Senior Payroll Specialist

Company Description

Nexthink is the leader in digital employee experience management software. The company provides IT leaders with unprecedented insight allowing them to see, diagnose and fix issues at scale impacting employees anywhere, with any application or network, before employees notice the issue. As the first solution to allow IT to progress from reactive problem solving to proactive optimization, Nexthink enables its more than 1,200 customers to provide better digital experiences to more than 15 million employees. Dual headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland and Boston, Massachusetts, Nexthink has 9 offices worldwide.

#LI-Hybrid

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and proactive Senior Payroll Specialist to take full ownership of our Swiss payroll operations as well as payroll for selected EMEA countries. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience managing Swiss payroll as a core responsibility and the ability to operate independently in a complex, international environment.

This role requires a collaborative team player capable of working within a globally distributed team. The position is based in Madrid, with a hybrid work model requiring office presence twice a week.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Management (Swiss & EMEA)

Lead and manage the end-to-end monthly payroll process for both Switzerland and selected EMEA countries.

• Ensure full compliance with tax, social security, and labour regulations.
• Coordinate payroll activities with local payroll providers across Switzerland and selected EMEA countries.
• Manage all payroll lifecycle including salaries, bonuses, commissions, benefits, pensions, stock options, and statutory deductions.
• Review and validate payroll inputs and outputs to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
• Calculate and validate overtime, deductions, and other pay elements.
• Ensure accurate processing of new hires, leavers, international transfers, and contractual changes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related queries from employees and third-party vendors.
• Stay updated on legal and regulatory changes and ensure their timely implementation.

Process & Systems Improvement

• Drive continuous improvement initiatives by identifying and implementing enhancements to payroll systems, processes, and reporting tools.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure payroll operations align with company-wide systems and business goals.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Finance, Accounting, HR, Legal, and other internal teams to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment in all payroll-related matters.

Qualifications

• At least 5–7 years of payroll experience, with a strong focus on Swiss payroll (HR Swiss certificate is a plus) as a primary responsibility. Experience with French payroll is a plus.
• Language Skills: Fluency in French and English is mandatory.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with payroll systems and tools (e.g., Workday, SAP, ADP, Bamboo, HiBob..) and strong Excel skills. Experience with HCM implementation would be a plus.
• Knowledge:
  In-depth understanding of Swiss payroll legislation, taxation, and benefits. Familiarity with broader EMEA payroll regulations is beneficial.
• Leadership:
  Proven ability to work independently, manage third-party providers, and drive cross-regional process improvements.
• Location:
  Based in Madrid, with a hybrid schedule.

Preferred Attributes

• Strategic mindset with strong problem-solving and analytical abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A collaborative, solutions-driven team player.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, international environment with shifting priorities.

Additional Information

We are the pioneers and trailblazers of a global IT Market Category (DEX) that is shaping the future of how the world works, giving our customers’ IT Teams total digital visibility across their enterprise. Our innovative solutions integrate real-time analytics, automation, and employee feedback across all endpoints. This enables our IT teams to solve complex technical challenges, create ever more productive workplaces, and deliver happy, satisfied employees in the digital workplace.

With over 1000 employees across 5 continents, Nexthink operates as One Team, connecting, collaborating and innovating to continuously grow. We call our employees ‘Nexthinkers’ and our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity is second to none. We currently have over 75 nationalities working with us, from all cultures and backgrounds, speaking many different languages.

If you are looking for a change and like a nice atmosphere, lots of challenges, and having fun while working, this is a great opportunity for you! Check what we offer:

• 💼 Permanent Contract and a competitive compensation package (Stock Options also included).
• 📍 Amazing centrally located offices near the Bernabeu Stadium.
• 🩺 Private Health Insurance (Sanitas) and daily meal vouchers of 11 EUR will be entirely covered by us.
• 🏡 Hybrid work model balancing office and remote work, with a structured approach for new hires to foster connections and onboarding.
•  🏖️ Flexible Hours and unlimited vacation (employees have unlimited paid time off on top of the 23 days of holidays we offer) plus 3 company-paid volunteer days.
• 🤸 Up to 25 EUR per month for a gym subscription.
• 🛴 Flexible retribution plan for kindergarten & transport tickets. 
• 🧑‍🏫 Reimbursement of up to 50% of the cost of English & Spanish classes.
• 🍉 Fresh fruit, cookies, soft drinks and protein shakes at the office.
• 🍕 Regular company and team events like Pizza talks, Team Building activities, Christmas parties, hosting Meetups at the office and more!
• 📣  Bonuses for referring successful hires after three months of continuous employment.
• 🚚 We offer a relocation package to people who are coming from another country.

Please note that not all the benefits listed above are available for temporary, contract, and internship roles. To ensure you have the most up-to-date information, we recommend checking with your Recruitment Partner.