Payroll Officer - DACHI | Cologne ( Köln)
For over 35 years, Aesop has carefully cultivated an inspiring and inclusive environment in which our employees are supported and encouraged to thrive. As a global retail organisation, we offer professional development and advancement opportunities to complement career goals and aspirations.
Our approach to skin care involves meticulous attention to detail, using only the most efficacious ingredients to create formulations which stir the self and senses. The same meticulous approach is taken during our recruitment process, seeking out considered and inspired individuals with a wealth of perspectives who bring out the best in themselves and others.
We aim to strike the right balance between people, planet and profit, actively reducing our footprint on the planet that generously sustains us. So far, this journey has led us to become a certified B Corp. We are committed to building a more sustainable and inclusive society.
Role purpose
Based in Cologne, the Payroll Officer DACHI manages and provides full Payroll administrative assistance to the DACH & Italian (DACHI) region, with particular focus on Germany and Austria (ca. 100 employees in DE and ca. 12 employees in AT) to ensure the accurate and timely delivery of monthly payrolls. The Payroll Officer DACHI supports another Payroll Officer based in London, who is responsible for Swiss (CH) and Italian (IT) payrolls, providing support where needed to the wider EU Payroll Teams for all Aesop countries.
Role responsibilities include, but are not limited to -
* Responsible for completing the monthly payroll input templates for the DACHI and mid-sized market payrolls, liaising with the People Services teams to ensure all payroll related changes are captured accurately and processed in accordance with the monthly payroll deadlines, ensuring all necessary payroll documentation (local New Hire and registration docs, along with checked ID and RTW documents, where applicable) are downloaded and shared with various providers
* Support the implementation / integration of systems, processes, operations and projects across the DACH & Italy region in partnership with the European Payroll Strategy, working closely with the Payroll Officer for DACHI based in London [CH & IT], the wider EU payroll teams and the Head of Payroll
* Monitor regulatory environment and ensure changes are understood, planned and incorporated into the countries Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
* Prepare all static Master Data files for submission to payroll providers such as New Hires, Leavers and pay related changes, as well as monitoring the accurate collection of all personal details regarding Health Insurance selection, Social Ins No. and Tax ID. Prepare all variable pay for Retail Store worker Hours via Aesop Time & Attendance system, in line with Payment & Deduction Templates
* Collaborate with Payroll Officer DACHI (London) for support and any necessary payroll checks and validations, prior to payroll approvals
* Act as first line support for Germany and Austria payroll related queries, via Zendesk ticketing system, providing responses in accordance with payroll team's internal SLAs
* Prepare the monthly payroll reports for Financial Accountants
* Updating internal absence systems (WhosOff) with Hires, Leavers, Changes
* Seek validation of payroll absences before calculation of annual leave entitlement
* Management of leaver payroll related documents (Insurance documentations)
* Monthly administration of employee benefits and processing of company pension scheme
* Reconciliation and preparation of social security / tax payment. Management of the monthly sick note retrieval via the social security platform (DE only) and the administration of long-term absences, as well as the processing of social insurance compensations (such as maternity and sick pay)
* Reconciliation and distribution of yearly employee tax certificates (DE) only
* Issuing employer certificates and documents for unemployment office
* Identify areas for improvement in existing payroll-related processes, tools, reports, taking the initiative to propose and drive through changes
* Work with the HRIS team to develop and extract monthly reports from our HRIS Workday system, assisting with potential data feeds to payroll to help streamline payroll processes.
This is a full position operating with a hybrid working pattern, based at Aesop's office in Cologne, Germany.
What we are looking for
* Open mindset and deep curiosity seeking to understand others, listen without judgement and act on diverse perspectives
* Commitment to fostering an inclusive and psychologically safe work environment
* Advanced Microsoft Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, IF Statements, Pivot Tables)
* Ability to speak and read both German and English
* A minimum of 18 months payroll experience in German & Austrian payrolls, with strong knowledge of DE and AT statutory payroll regulations
* Experience with different types of workers e.g. Students, Mini-Jobbers
* Strong understanding of market specific payrolls and administration from start to finish
* Experience of working with an outsourced service model
* Experience of using HRIS software including reporting (preferably Workday) and T&A program
* Thorough attention to detail and the ability to spot inconsistencies/mistakes in data
* Flexible approach and the professionalism to handle sensitive and confidential information
* Strong communication and organisation skills with the ability to work on own initiative and under pressure in order to meet tight deadlines
* Desire to instigate change and improve and simplify processes
* Previous experience within the Retail sector is preferred
* Local country Benefit Administration experience.
What's on offer
We take a holistic approach to employment, promoting professional development, career growth, employee wellbeing initiatives and encouraging deep connections with the local community through the Aesop Foundation, volunteering and matched giving programs. Employee benefits include -
* Flexible, hybrid working pattern
* Generous product discount allowance and bi-annual complimentary product allocation
* Paid volunteering allowance for all employees
* Bonus opportunity based on personal, and business, performance
* Suite of options to aid development, including complimentary access to LinkedIn Learning, in-house Product and Core skills training and study support opportunities
* Access to employee assistance programmes, summer wellness vacation options and complimentary subscription to the Headspace mindfulness app.
Aesop is committed to attracting, developing and retaining the very best people by offering a creative and inclusive workplace where talent is truly recognised and rewarded. We are committed to promoting inclusion for all with the belief that diversity, inclusion and belonging plays an important role in the success of our organisation. We actively encourage everyone to consider becoming a part of our journey.
#LI-Hybrid
Seit über 35 Jahren schafft Aesop ein inspirierendes und integratives Umfeld, in dem unsere Mitarbeiter*innen sich entfalten können und Unterstützung finden. Als globales Einzelhandelsunternehmen bieten wir berufliche Entwicklungs- und Aufstiegsmöglichkeiten als Ergänzung zu den jeweiligen beruflichen Zielen und Ambitionen.
Unser Hautpflegekonzept beinhaltet eine sorgfältige Detailarbeit, bei der nur die wirksamsten Inhaltsstoffe verwendet werden, um Formulierungen zu entwickeln, die das Selbst und die Sinne anregen. Derselbe Anspruch gilt für unser Einstellungsverfahren. Wir suchen gewissenhafte und motivierte Menschen mit einer Vielzahl an Perspektiven, die das Beste aus sich und anderen herausholen.
Unser Ziel ist es, das richtige Gleichgewicht zwischen Mensch, Umwelt und wirtschaftlichem Erfolg zu finden. Wir wollen unseren Fußabdruck auf unserer Erde, die uns großzügig unterstützt, aktiv verringern. Im Rahmen unserer Arbeit dahingehend haben wird unter anderem die B Corp Zertifizierung erhalten. Wir engagieren uns überdies für den Aufbau einer nachhaltigeren und integrativen Gesellschaft.
Was wir bieten
Wir verfolgen einen ganzheitlichen Karriereansatz. Wir fördern die berufliche Weiterbildung, die Karriereentwicklung sowie Initiativen für das Wohlbefinden der Angestellten und schaffen durch die Aesop Foundation, Freiwilligenarbeit und gemeinsame Spendenprogramme enge Verbindungen zur lokalen Gemeinschaft. Zu den Leistungen für Mitarbeiter*innen gehören unter anderem folgende:
* Großzügige Rabattgewährung auf Produkte und halbjährliche kostenfreie Zuteilung von Produkten
* Bezahlte Ehrenamtspauschale für alle Mitarbeitender*innen
* Bonusmöglichkeiten je nach persönlicher und geschäftlicher Leistung
* Diverse Optionen zur Förderung der beruflichen Entwicklung, darunter kostenloser Zugang zu LinkedIn Learning, interne Schulungen zu Produkt- und Kernkompetenzen sowie Möglichkeiten zur Studienunterstützung
* Zugang zu Hilfsprogrammen für Mitarbeitende, ein kostenfreies Abonnement für die Achtsamkeits-App Headspace und Angebote für Wellnessurlaub im Sommer.
Aesop möchte die bestmöglich talentierten Menschen als Mitarbeiter*innen gewinnen, entwickeln und zum Bleiben einladen. Wir bieten ein kreatives und integratives Arbeitsumfeld, in dem Talente wirklich anerkannt und gewürdigt werden. Wir setzen uns für die Förderung der Integration aller ein und sind davon überzeugt, dass Vielfalt, Integration und Zugehörigkeit eine wichtige Rolle für den Erfolg unseres Unternehmens spielen. Wir ermutigen jede*n ausdrücklich dazu, Teil unserer Reise zu werden.