Regional Payroll and Benefits Specialist (EMEA & APAC)

Company Description

Are you looking to join an organization that is growing and dynamic? What about a high-energy, collaborative environment that rewards hard work?

J.S. Held is a global consulting firm that combines technical, scientific, financial, and strategic expertise to advise clients seeking to realize value and mitigate risk. Our professionals serve as trusted advisors to organizations facing high stakes matters demanding urgent attention, staunch integrity, proven experience, clear-cut analysis, and an understanding of both tangible and intangible assets.

The firm provides a comprehensive suite of services, products, and data that enable clients to navigate complex, contentious, and often catastrophic situations.

Job Description

We are seeking a Regional Payroll & Benefits Specialist (EMEA & APAC) to join our Global Payroll team. This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and highly motivated professional to become part of a growing international team whose responsibilities extend beyond traditional payroll administration.

The ideal candidate will have strong UK payroll and benefits experience, combined with the flexibility and commercial mindset required to operate in a fast-paced global environment. In addition to supporting UK payroll, you will manage payroll operations across several international locations, with a particular focus on Spain, Germany, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, and Singapore.

Working closely with Finance, Human Resources, external payroll providers, and other stakeholders, you will help ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery while contributing to process improvements and broader global payroll initiatives.

We are looking for someone who takes ownership, builds strong relationships, and enjoys working collaboratively across teams and regions. In addition to strong technical skills, the successful candidate will contribute to a positive, collaborative, and social team culture. While the role can be performed remotely, London-based candidates who are interested in a hybrid working model are strongly preferred, as we value in-person collaboration and the role individuals play in fostering a vibrant team environment.

Job Responsibilities

• Maintain payroll records and process payroll changes accurately and on time, including new hires, terminations, salary changes, benefits, garnishments, taxes, and other deductions.
• Manage and administer end-to-end payroll processes across multiple countries within the EMEA and APAC regions, including payroll inputs, approvals, processing, reporting, and ensuring all deadlines are met.
• Partner with external payroll providers and internal stakeholders to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery.
• Prepare and distribute regular payroll reports to Finance, HR, and other business stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, company policies, and internal controls across all supported jurisdictions.
• Support payroll-related audits, reconciliations, process improvements, and special projects as needed.
• Produce ad hoc reports and analyses to support business and operational requirements.
• Supports day-to-day administration of regional benefits.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
• Proven experience managing UK payroll, including payroll legislation, tax, pensions, and benefits administration.
• Experience processing multi-country payroll across EMEA, working with external payroll providers.
• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance, controls, and best practices.
• Experience managing payroll changes including hires, terminations, salary changes, and deductions.
• Strong analytical, reporting, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency with payroll systems and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience supporting day-to-day administration of regional benefits.

Preferred

• Professional payroll qualification (e.g., CIPP) or equivalent.
• Experience supporting payroll in Spain, Germany, UAE, Saudi Arabia, India, and/or Singapore.
• Experience within a multinational or high-growth organization.
• Experience with payroll process improvements, automation, or system implementations.
• London-based or willing to work in a hybrid environment.

Additional Information

Additional Information

J.S. Held understands all our employees are people and sometimes life needs flexibility. We work to always provide an environment that best supports and suits our team’s needs.

• Our flexible work environment allows employees to work remotely, when needed
• Flexible Time Off Policy
• Global Medical Insurance
• Life Assurance

Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

By submitting your application, you acknowledge that you have read the J.S. Held Online Privacy Notice and hereby freely and unambiguously give informed consent to the collection, processing, use, and storage of your personal information as required and described therein. California residents can click here to learn more about the personal information we collect and here to learn about additional privacy rights that may be available. 

Please explore what we’re all about at www.jsheld.com.

EEO and Job Accommodations
We embrace diversity and our commitment to building a team and environment that fosters professional and personal enrichment is unwavering. We are greater when we are equal!

J.S. Held is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request for a reasonable accommodation, please email jobs@jsheld.com and include “Applicant Accommodation” within the subject line with your request and contact information.

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