Payroll Specialist (German Payroll Expert – DATEV)

Employment Type: Full-time

Job Title: Payroll Specialist (German Payroll Expert – DATEV)

Location: Düsseldorf, Germany

Language Requirement: Fluent German & Chinese (Mandarin) – Mandatory

About the Role

Our client, based in Düsseldorf, is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to independently manage end-to-end payroll operations. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in German payroll laws, tax regulations, and payroll automation, with hands‑on experience using DATEV (Lohn und Gehalt). This role requires high accuracy, confidentiality, and the ability to work autonomously.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently manage the full payroll cycle for employees in Germany
• Process monthly payroll using DATEV (Lohn und Gehalt)
• Ensure compliance with German payroll laws, tax regulations, and social security requirements
• Handle income tax, social insurance contributions, benefits, bonuses, and deductions
• Prepare and submit payroll‑related reports to authorities and social insurance institutions
• Manage communication with tax offices, health insurance providers, and other relevant authorities
• Maintain employee payroll records and ensure data accuracy and confidentiality
• Support audits and respond to payroll‑related inquiries
• Drive payroll process improvements and automation initiatives
• Collaborate with HR and Finance departments to ensure smooth payroll operations

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in German payroll processing
• Proven hands‑on experience with DATEV (Lohn und Gehalt)
• Strong knowledge of German payroll legislation, tax laws, and social security regulations
• Experience handling payroll independently (end‑to‑end responsibility)
• High level of accuracy and strong analytical skills
• Fluent in German and Chinese (Mandarin) – both written and spoken (mandatory)
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Excel
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an international or Sino‑German business environment
• Knowledge of payroll automation and digital payroll systems
• Background in Finance, Accounting, HR, or related field

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package
• International and dynamic work environment
• Opportunity to work with a growing organization
• Professional development opportunities