Payroll Manager

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, escalate 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 escalate 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.  We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,500 employees operate a network of 2,500 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.   Our brand promise –  when you need to be sure  – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.