Payroll Specialist – Payroll Accountant

Ecolab

Payroll Specialist managing monthly payrolls and compliance for clients in Germany. Involves end-to-end payroll processing and direct client consultation.

Posted 6/20/2026full-timeKöln • 🇩🇪 GermanyJuniorMid-Level💰 €31,000 - €65,000 per yearWebsite

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Hard Skills

payroll calculationssalary calculationsallowances calculationspecial payments calculationbonuses calculationvacation entitlements calculationpayroll tax knowledgesocial security law knowledgestandard payroll conceptsDATEV LODAS

Soft Skills

communicationclient liaisonindependenceattention to detailproblem-solving

Certifications & Qualifications

commercial vocational trainingtax-related vocational training

Industry Keywords

German payrollsalary accountingsocial insurancegovernment authoritiesdigitalization of payroll processes

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Independently prepare monthly payroll and salary calculations
Calculate allowances, special payments, bonuses and vacation entitlements
Timely liaison with social insurance providers, tax offices and government authorities
Serve as a knowledgeable point of contact for clients on payroll tax and social security law questions
Contribute to the digitalization of payroll processes

Requirements

What you’ll need

At least 1–3 years of professional experience in German payroll and salary accounting
Successfully completed commercial or tax-related vocational training
Solid knowledge of payroll tax and social security law
Confident handling of standard payroll concepts and practices
Practical experience with DATEV LODAS (or a comparable payroll system)
Fluent German (minimum C1)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Permanent employment contract in a stable, crisis-resistant environment
Predictable 40-hour workweek with flexible working hours
Up to 2 days of home office per week
Fully digitized workflows (DATEV)
Active participation in shaping and optimizing processes
Company bike leasing (JobRad)
Membership in Urban Sports Club
Tax-free benefit card for shopping
Free drinks, fresh fruit and ice cream in the office