Payroll Specialist (Interim)
This an 8-month maternity cover position. We are open to candidates interested in either a fixed-term employment contract or a freelance/contractor arrangement.
About COFRA Holding AG
COFRA Holding AG is a family-owned group, headquartered in Switzerland, with operations in Europe, the Americas and Asia. COFRA has a diverse portfolio of investment businesses in private equity (Bregal Investments), real estate (Redevco) and asset management (Anthos Fund & Asset Management). Businesses and investments are also held in retail, clean energy and sustainable food.
Through business, COFRA strives to be a force for good in the world – a mission that began over 180 years ago. Today, we actively direct our expertise, energy and capital into businesses and investments that we believe have the potential to create superior value.
Help us deliver an exceptional colleague experience
At COFRA, our people are at the heart of everything we do. Payroll is one of the most important moments in the employee experience, and accuracy, reliability and care matter.
We are looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist to join our Amsterdam-based team for an 8-month maternity cover assignment .
Working closely with HR, Finance and regulatory authorities, you will be responsible for the end-to-end payroll process across multiple COFRA entities in the Netherlands. You will play a key role in ensuring payroll is delivered accurately, compliantly and efficiently, while contributing to a positive colleague experience.
About the role
You will be responsible for managing payroll operations, statutory compliance, payroll reporting and payroll-related stakeholder support.
This is a hands-on role that combines operational excellence, stakeholder management and continuous improvement. You will ensure smooth payroll delivery while identifying opportunities to strengthen processes, controls and efficiency.
What we can achieve together
Payroll Operations
Manage payroll workflows and ensure payroll transactions are processed accurately and on time
Process employee lifecycle changes, including hires, terminations, salary adjustments and other employment changes
Review, reconcile and validate payroll data before payroll processing and payment
Process and monitor time and attendance data
Administer wage garnishments in line with relevant legislation
Ensure accurate payroll treatment and taxation of benefits, allowances and other compensation elements
Compliance & Reporting
Ensure compliance with Dutch payroll legislation, employment law, wage tax and social security requirements
Monitor legislative changes and implement required payroll updates
Prepare statutory payroll documentation and reporting
Support internal and external payroll audits
Perform payroll reconciliations and support payroll-related accounting activities
Manage year-end payroll activities, including annual statements and tax reporting
Benefits & International Payroll
Coordinate payroll-related changes affecting pensions, insurance and benefit programmes
Support international payroll arrangements, including split and shadow payrolls
Assist with international mobility matters, including tax, social security and payroll compliance implications
Liaise with pension funds, tax advisors and government institutions
Stakeholder Support & Continuous Improvement
Respond to payroll-related questions from colleagues, HR and Finance stakeholders
Build strong working relationships with internal and external partners
Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls and efficiencies
Contribute to delivering an excellent colleague experience through reliable and professional payroll support
What you bring
5+ years of experience in a Payroll Specialist or similar payroll-focused role
Strong knowledge of Dutch payroll legislation, wage tax, pensions, social security and employment regulations
Experience managing end-to-end payroll processes
Experience working with payroll systems and HRIS platforms (Exact HR Salarisgemak and SuccessFactors are advantageous)
Strong analytical and numerical skills
High attention to detail and excellent organisational skills
Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively
Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
Fluent in English (required) and Dutch (highly desirable)
Nice to have
Praktijkdiploma Loonadministratie (PDL)
Experience supporting international payroll arrangements and mobility cases
What we offer you in return
This role offers the opportunity to join a collaborative and supportive team within an international family-owned organisation. You will play a key role in ensuring colleagues receive an excellent payroll experience while helping maintain a well-functioning and compliant payroll operation.
COFRA offers competitive benefits, a flexible working environment and the opportunity to work alongside dedicated professionals who value quality, ownership and collaboration.
COFRA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin or disability. None of this gets in the way of hiring and retaining the best people.