Senior payroll specialist (m/f)

We are seeking a high-caliber Senior Payroll Specialist (m/f) to join a leading international banking institution in Luxembourg. In this senior advisory and operational role, you will act as a subject-matter expert responsible for overseeing complex payroll operations, statutory compliance, tax withholdings, and cross-border payroll strategies. You will bridge technical payroll execution with high-level advisory for key internal and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

·        Payroll Governance & Statutory Compliance: Oversee end-to-end Luxembourg payroll processing, ensuring compliance with labor law, automatic wage indexation, collective bargaining agreements, and official declarations (CCSS, tax administration).

·        Advanced Tax & Social Security Advisory: Provide technical guidance on wage tax withholdings, tax cards/classes, retroactive adjustments, and the specific tax treatment of non-standard compensation (bonuses, severance packages, benefits in kind).

·        Equity & Executive Compensation: Manage the payroll execution and tax reporting for share-based compensation, including RSUs, stock options, performance shares, and vesting events.

·        Global Mobility & Cross-Border Payroll: Advise on complex cross-border employment setups, shadow payrolls, split payrolls, tax residency impacts, and social security coverage for international assignees and commuters.

·        Operational Controls & Escalation Point: Lead high-risk payroll reconciliations, off-cycle adjustments, and root-cause analyses. Serve as the senior escalation point for HR, Finance, Tax, Legal, and external auditors.

Required Profile & Qualifications

·        Senior experience in Luxembourg payroll administration and statutory legislation, ideally acquired within the banking, financial services, or professional services sector.

·        Deep subject-matter expertise in Luxembourg wage tax, social security mechanisms, and cross-border employment rules.

·        Proven track record in handling complex compensation structures, including equity-based awards and global mobility frameworks.

·        Strong analytical mindset with high standards for process control, risk mitigation, and audit readiness.

·        Excellent communication skills with the ability to interface effectively with cross-functional leaders and third-party providers.

·        Fluency in English (working language); knowledge of French or Luxembourgish is an asset.