Payroll & HR Operations Specialist - Associate

Job Title: Payroll & HR Operations Specialist

Corporate Title: Associate

Department: Human Resources

Location: Germany

Company Overview

Nomura is a global financial services group with an integrated network spanning approximately 30 countries and regions. By connecting markets East & West, Nomura services the needs of individuals, institutions, corporates and governments through its three business divisions: Wealth Management, Investment Management, and Wholesale (Global Markets and Investment Banking). Founded in 1925, the firm is built on a tradition of disciplined entrepreneurship, serving clients with creative solutions and considered thought leadership. For further information about Nomura, visit

Department overview:

Our Human Resources department at Nomura is dedicated to attracting, developing, and retaining top talent. We strive to create a positive and inclusive work environment where employees can thrive and reach their full potential. From recruitment and onboarding to performance management and employee engagement, we are committed to supporting our employees throughout their careers. Join our team and be part of a dynamic and collaborative HR function that plays a vital role in driving the success of our organization.

The Payroll & HR Operations Specialist is a key advisor to managers and employees across Germany, Switzerland and Finland, providing expert guidance on payroll matters and HR service. This role combines hands‑on payroll processing with support for larger payroll migration projects and transformational initiatives. Working closely with our external payroll provider and internal departments, the Payroll & HR Operations Specialist ensures accurate and timely payroll processing while maintaining strong relationships across the organization. Success in this role requires deep expertise in German payroll and preferably other countries, solid HR administration knowledge, and the ability to manage complex, multi country payroll operations.

Role Description:

Key objectives critical to success:

• Prepare and process monthly payroll for Germany, Switzerland and Finland in cooperation with the external payroll provider
• Extend payroll support to potential other countries as the role expands
• Serve as primary contact person for employees and external bodies (health insurance companies, auditors etc.) on all payroll-related matters
• Prepare and submit legally required reports and certificates
• Collaborate with regional Nomura Payroll Specialists and review monthly payroll where required
• Support end‑to‑end HR operations across the employee life cycle, from onboarding through offboarding and all changes in between
• Administer employee benefits and pension plan
• Support internal and external audits
• Support payroll migration projects across multiple countries
• Participate in HR transformation initiatives and HR Advisory topic

Skills, experience, qualifications and knowledge required:

• 4+ years of hands‑on German payroll processing experience
• Experience working with external payroll providers and managing vendor relationships
• Background in multi‑country payroll operations desirable
• Solid knowledge of current German employment legislation, relevant income tax and social security laws and regulatory environment
• Experience with Benefits and HR administration
• University Degree, completed apprenticeship or a similar qualification with a focus on payroll or related field
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities and relationships
• Excellent communication skills (written and oral)
• High level of accuracy, reliability, and attention to detail
• Very good German and English skills
• Strong analytical and data management skills
• Explore Insights & Vision: Identify the underlying causes of problems faced by you or your team and define a clear vision and direction for the future.
• Making Strategic Decisions: Evaluate all the options for resolving the problems and effectively prioritize actions or recommendations.
• Inspire Entrepreneurship in People: Inspire team members through effective communication of ideas and motivate them to actively enhance productivity.
• Elevate Organizational Capability: Engage proactively in professional development and enhance team productivity through the promotion of knowledge sharing.
• Inclusion: Respect DEI, foster a culture of inclusion and psychological safety in the workplace and cultivate a "Risk Culture" (Challenge, Escalate and Respect).

Diversity Statement

Nomura is committed to an employment policy of equal opportunities, and is fundamentally opposed to any less favourable treatment accorded to existing or potential members of staff on the grounds of race, creed, colour, nationality, disability, marital status, pregnancy, gender or sexual orientation.

DISCLAIMER: This Job Description is for reference only, and whilst this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, it is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, skills, efforts, requirements or working conditions associated with the job. The management reserves the right to revise the job and may, at his or her discretion, assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.