Payroll Manager in Zug

Job Description

Lead the accurate, compliant and timely delivery of payroll services for all SGS Swiss entities.

The role owns end-to-end Swiss payroll operations, statutory compliance, payroll governance and controls, service provider relationships, payroll systems, continuous improvement, and payroll analytics and management reporting.

The role encompasses a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to the following:

• Monthly Payroll Operations
• Process monthly payroll for entities in different cantons and for various categories of employees, including hourly paid employees, freelancers and board members.
• Enter payroll variables, execute payroll runs, validate results and archive payroll data to maintain a complete audit trail.
• Prepare bank transfer orders and DTA payments and confirm receipt and successful execution.
• Ensure the timely distribution of electronic payslips and related payroll documents.
• Coordinate monthly with pension funds, insurance providers, AVS authorities and tax administrations.
• Perform regular payroll checks, including family allowances and health insurance premiums.
• Long-Term Incentive Plan
• Participate actively in payroll processing related to the Long-Term Incentive Plan.
• Perform share calculations, liaise with employees regarding sell-to-cover arrangements, update payroll data and prepare tax documentation.
• Annual Salary Review
• Perform data reconciliations and validation checks.
• Update data in the payroll system and generate compensation statements.
• Finance Coordination and Invoicing
• Coordinate monthly post-payroll activities with Finance and provide required data, including headcount, accounting files and employee costs.
• Reconcile HR-related accounts and provide HR costings, including salary advances and direct reimbursements.
• Contribute to the annual forecast and budget process.
• Handle invoices related to withholding tax and pension fund contributions.
• Plan and raise purchase order requirements for payroll software access, support and technical development.
• Vendor and Service Provider Management
• Manage the operational relationship with Fidigit, Abacus and other payroll-related providers, ensuring reliable service delivery and clear accountability.
• Coordinate system upgrades, configuration changes, testing activities and implementation of new functionality.

Monitor service performance, follow up on incidents and ensure timely resolution of issues affecting payroll operations.

• Maintain clear documentation of service requests, decisions, changes and issue resolution.
• Collaborate with providers to identify service improvements, strengthen controls and optimize payroll processes.
• Payroll Governance and Controls
• Ensure payroll processes comply with Swiss legal requirements, internal policies, delegated authorities and applicable control standards.
• Maintain robust payroll controls and validation procedures to support the accuracy, completeness and integrity of payroll data and payments.
• Ensure appropriate segregation of duties, approvals, documentation, audit trails and record retention across the payroll cycle.
• Identify and assess payroll risks, elevate material issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.

Coordinate internal and external payroll audits, provide required evidence and follow through on remediation actions.

• Maintain and regularly update payroll procedures, control documentation and working instructions.
• Year-End Payroll Activities
• Complete year-end formalities accurately and within statutory deadlines, including AVS and insurance declarations, salary certificate coordination with tax administrations and the production of share-related forms.
• Perform annual checks, including transportation indemnities and pension fund contributions for freelancers.
• Update payroll software with new insurance rates and pension fund plan changes.
• Payroll Analytics and Management Reporting
• Prepare and analyse payroll reports, workforce cost data and payroll metrics to support management decision-making.
• Provide regular payroll dashboards and statistical reporting to HR, Finance and relevant business stakeholders.
• Monitor payroll trends, variances, exceptions and key indicators, investigate anomalies and elevate material issues promptly.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and workforce cost planning with accurate payroll data and analysis.
• Prepare ad hoc payroll analyses, cost simulations and decision-support reporting for HR leadership and Finance.
• Provide data for external and internal surveys, including WTW, Mercer, OFS and Solaris, ensuring accuracy and appropriate approvals.

Qualifications

• Degree in Finance, Human Resources, Business Administration, Economics or an equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum 10 years of payroll experience at a senior specialist or manager level within a multinational environment.
• Expert knowledge of Swiss payroll, social security and payroll-related tax legislation, with strong awareness of cantonal requirements.
• Demonstrated experience with end-to-end payroll processing, statutory reporting, year-end activities, audits and payroll controls.
• Practical experience managing payroll service providers and payroll system partners.
• Strong knowledge of Abacus is essential; experience working with Fidigit is an advantage.
• Advanced Excel and strong reporting and analytical capability.
• Native-level German and very good written and spoken English
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