HR Payroll & Operations Specialist - Assistant Vice President

16 Jun 2026

Düsseldorf, DE, 40474

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SMBC: A trusted partner for the long term

Here at SMBC Group, we want to help you find the next step in your career so read on to discover if this opportunity is the one for you. We like to recognise potential in our people, so we welcome your application even when your experience doesn’t perfectly align with the job description. Whilst we’ll always strive to be better, we’re proud of our inclusive culture, and encourage our applicants and colleagues to be their authentic, unique selves.

Who we are

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers – to be a trusted partner for the long-term – and our universal banking platform in EMEA, SMBC Group has an international growth agenda and award-winning products, meaning we provide exciting opportunities to work on a diverse range of projects and initiatives. We deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers as well as investment banking and advisory services, and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets. Read on to find out how you could enhance your skills and gain valuable experience, by joining us to support our clients transition to a sustainable future.

Role Summary

In this role you will be responsible for:

managing end-to-end payroll processes, including expatriate payroll and tax-related matters

acting as key interface to internal stakeholders, external payroll providers, and tax advisors

ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing across multiple entities

For you to succeed in the role, you’ll need to have:

solid experience in HR payroll within an international or complex environment

strong knowledge of payroll, tax, and social security regulations

excellent analytical, organisational, and stakeholder management skills

The anticipated salary range for this role is €66,000-€99,000 with the final offer determined based on the candidate’s skills, experience, role scope, location, and relevant market factors. In addition to base salary, the role may be eligible for a discretionary incentive award and a competitive benefits package, including core benefits such as pension provision.

Business Area

This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of payroll operations across multiple European locations, including complex expatriate cases. You will work in a highly international environment with strong stakeholder exposure and play a key role in ensuring operational excellence in payroll.

Position Description

Our role will enable you to:

Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as HR, Finance, Tax, Legal, and Mobility, as well as international HR teams

Manage relationships with external payroll providers and tax advisors

Act as a key contact for employees and expatriates on payroll-related matters

What will you bring to the role?

Responsibilities:

Prepare and validate payroll data and ensure accurate processing with external providers

Perform reconciliations and ensure accounting alignment

Manage expatriate payroll topics including tax treatments and allowances

Support audits and ensure adherence to payroll controls and compliance standards

Maintain payroll processes and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

Experience & Qualifications:

Relevant degree or commercial training in HR, payroll, taxation, or social security

Proven experience in payroll operations in an international environment

Strong understanding of payroll processes, tax, and compliance requirements

Advanced Excel skills and experience with HR systems

Fluent in German and English

Desirable:

Certified payroll accountant qualification

Experience with payroll systems such as DATEV

Exposure to expatriate payroll and cross-border employment scenarios

Competencies

Customer Focus

Driving Change

Driving Results

Embraces Diversity

Judgement and Decision Making

Risk Management

Strategic and Visionary

Trust and Integrity

What we offer

For all the expertise and experience you bring to help us make a difference, it’s only sustainable if we support you to build your career and be your best self so we offer competitive company benefits, centred around promoting positive well-bring and work-life balance. We also believe in fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment, where all team members perspectives and contributions are valued. Initiatives in place which promote a diverse and inclusive culture and healthy work life balance include hybrid working, Sport & Social Clubs and Diversity and Inclusion networks.

As an employee of SMBC you have access to a host of both useful and exciting benefit offerings. See below some of the benefits on offer to you:

Hybrid and flexible working

Competitive paid leave days

Benefits to support your physical wellbeing, including private medical insurance

Various policies to support your mental wellbeing, including a robust behavioural health network with counselling and coaching services

Access a wide range of learning and development opportunities and career progression opportunities

Ambitious remuneration package

So, if you like a challenge and want to continuously grow and develop in a role where you will be supported along the way by a dynamic and diverse team, apply today!

We recognise our role as a bank to support social change and welcome all applications, including those from groups often under-represented in financial services. We value the uniqueness of professional and personal, backgrounds and perspectives as they play a vital role in continuing the sustainable growth of our organisation. We’ll ensure reasonable adjustments to our recruitment process are offered due to a disability or long-term condition whenever requested.

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About SMBC

A trusted partner for the long term

United by a sense of purpose towards our customers - to be a trusted partner for the long-term - and our universal banking platform in EMEA, we deliver a full suite of corporate finance products and solutions to our customers, including corporate, structured and trade finance, leveraged finance, loan market and treasury products. We can also provide investment banking and advisory services and a range of innovative solutions in global capital markets.

about what we do and who we are at https://www.smbcgroup.com/emea/careers