HR Payroll & Operations Specialist - Assistant Vice President

16 Jun 2026

Düsseldorf, DE, 40474

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.  

 

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