Advanced Specialist, Payroll (France)

Job title: Advanced Specialist, Payroll (France) Role Overview We are seeking an Adcvanced Payroll Specialist to support a portfolio of European countries, with France as the primary and highest-priority market. Deep, hands‑on expertise in French payroll is required and is a core expectation of this role.

This role operates in a complex, multinational environment and requires strong professional judgment, independence, and resilience. In addition to payroll delivery, the role serves as a trusted advisor and contributes to payroll optimization and AI‑readiness initiatives that support the organization’s future‑state strategy.

Why Join Our Team Our payroll team is evolving into a modern, strategic capability, and that work has been recognized by the broader payroll community. Our team members have been featured in industry podcasts and publications for our approach to payroll transformation, optimization, and future readiness.

You’ll join a collaborative, globally connected team that is investing in people, processes, and technology, with a clear focus on data quality, automation, and AI readiness. This is a great place to grow your career, expand your international payroll expertise, and contribute to a payroll function that is respected both inside and outside the organization.

Key Responsibilities French Payroll (Primary Responsibility)

Serve as the primary subject‑matter expert for French payroll, including statutory requirements, social charges, DSN reporting, year‑end activities, and ongoing compliance obligations

Ensure accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance for French payroll in partnership with in‑country vendors and internal stakeholders

Interpret and clearly explain complex French payroll outcomes to HR, Finance, and People leaders

European Payroll Portfolio Support

Support payroll operations for a defined portfolio of European countries, inclusive of France

Partner with vendors and regional stakeholders to ensure consistent payroll delivery and effective issue resolution

Trusted Advisor & Stakeholder Partnership

Act as a trusted payroll advisor to HR, Finance, Tax, and People Operations stakeholders

Provide clear, practical guidance on payroll impacts, risks, and trade‑offs related to business decisions and employee lifecycle events

Represent payroll confidently in audits, reviews, and cross‑functional discussions

Issue Management & Professional Judgment

Independently identify, assess, and resolve payroll issues, including complex or non‑standard scenarios

Determine when to elevate matters, challenge assumptions, or recommend alternative approaches

Maintain professionalism and composure in high‑pressure or time‑sensitive situations

Optimization, AI Readiness & Career Growth

Contribute to process optimization, documentation, and standardization across European payroll operations

Support initiatives that improve data quality, controls, and consistency, enabling increased automation and analytics

Engage in continuous learning and development as payroll capabilities evolve, with opportunities to expand scope, expertise, and influence over time

What Success Looks Like

Payroll is delivered accurately, compliantly, and with stability

Stakeholders view payroll as a trusted advisor

Payroll processes and data are increasingly structured and ready for advanced automation and analytics

The role holder continues to grow in capability, confidence, and impact within the global payroll organization

Required Experience & Qualifications

Extensive, hands‑on experience with French payroll (required and priority)

Experience supporting European payroll operations within a multinational environment

Demonstrated ability to work independently and manage complexity

Experience partnering with external payroll vendors and service delivery models

Fluency in English required; French language proficiency preferred

Key Attributes for Success

Resilient and composed in complex or high‑pressure environments

Confident, credible communicator with sound professional judgment

Resourceful and solution‑oriented

Growth‑minded, with interest in expanding skills, embracing new technologies, and advancing a payroll career

While France is the focal point, this position will also support payroll operations across additional European countries within an assigned portfolio. For any countries within the portfolio where prior experience is limited or not yet developed, structured training, documentation, and on‑the‑job support will be provided to ensure success.

Who we are: At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. We are the world's lifelong learning company. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It’s who we are. To learn more: We are Pearson.

Pearson is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E‑Verify. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business need. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, qualified veteran status, disability status or any other group protected by law. We actively seek qualified candidates who are protected veterans and individuals with disabilities as defined under VEVRAA and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act

If you are an individual with a disability and unable to use or access our career site as a result of your disability,you may request reasonable accommodations by emailing TalentExperienceGlobalTeam@grp.pearson.com.

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