Are you an experienced payroll professional with a passion for accuracy, compliance, and transformation? We are looking for a driven Payroll Consultant to join our team and help shape the delivery of payroll across the UK and Europe. This is a fantastic opportunity to work in a dynamic, fast-paced environment—contributing to meaningful projects and engaging with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.

About the Role
As a Payroll Consultant, you’ll play a pivotal role in managing our payroll operations and supporting ongoing payroll transformation initiatives. Your expertise in UK payroll will be crucial, alongside hands-on experience with European payrolls—particularly Germany, and ideally Belgium and the Netherlands. You will collaborate closely with external payroll providers, ensuring quality and compliance, while driving improvements and supporting business needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a subject matter expert for UK payroll and advise on German payroll processes and compliance.

• Manage and support payrolls across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring accuracy and adherence to local legislation.

• Liaise with and oversee external payroll providers to maintain high service quality.

• Deliver on key payroll projects, including system enhancements, process improvements, vendor transitions, and legislative updates.

• Conduct regular payroll audits and support both internal and external compliance activities (SOX, statutory inspections, etc.).

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation and advise the business as necessary.

• Work in partnership with HR, Finance, and other stakeholders to ensure smooth data flows and robust reporting.

• Contribute to procedure documentation and strengthening of payroll controls.

• Provide specialist support during peak payroll periods, year-end, and benefit reconciliations.

About You

• Significant experience in UK payroll operations and legislation.

• Practical experience with German payroll; Belgian/Dutch payroll experience highly desirable.

• Skilled at navigating and managing relationships with outsourced payroll providers.

• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, statutory reporting, and audit processes.

• Experience using payroll systems and reporting tools (e.g. Workday, ADP, SAP, or similar).

• Exceptionally detail-oriented, numerate, and analytical.

• Excellent communicator, able to explain payroll matters clearly to colleagues at all levels.

• Adaptable team player with a proactive approach, able to thrive under pressure and manage competing demands.

Desirable Qualifications:

• CIPP or equivalent UK payroll qualification.

• Fluency or working knowledge of German/Dutch/French is a plus.

• Previous experience in professional services or in a multinational organisation.

Why Join Us?
Freshfields offers a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive workplace, with opportunities to contribute to global projects and professional development. If you are ready to be part of a high-performing team and make a difference in an international environment, we’d love to hear from you.