Payroll Manager (German Payroll) (Lohn- und Gehaltsbuchhalter/in)

Viking is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans five years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications.

Please note that we can only accept applicants who are eligible to work in Switzerland or in possession of a valid work permit.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Payroll Manager is responsible for the end‑to‑end German payroll process for approximately 700 employees. The role reports to the Senior Payroll Manager and is based at our Operational Headquarters in Basel, Switzerland.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

- Responsible for the monthly payroll run in SAP and SuccessFactors
- Recording and reviewing ongoing wage changes in master data and variable payroll data
- Verification of master data for new hires, departures, and changes
- Monthly reports to health insurance, social security institutions, as well as the relevant tax office
- Reporting accident reports to the relevant employers' liability insurance association
- Communication with authorities and insurance companies, including preparation of employer certificates
- Handling and responding to all payroll‑related inquiries
- Assessment of employment relationships regarding social security, particularly for new hires
- Monthly preparation of payroll‑related reports
- Identify and resolve system-related issues, coordinate with the payroll support team by opening and tracking tickets and testing implemented system changes
- Providing data for social security and tax audits
- Supporting the team in various administrative tasks as well as HR projects and process improvements

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

- Several years of professional experience in German Payroll
- Advanced knowledge in German wage tax, social security regulations and labor law
- Strong skills in MS‑Office, with a particular focus on Excel (e.g. Pivot Tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis …)
- Advanced experience with SAP
- Strong affinity for the technical aspects of SAP, with a proactive mindset toward problem-solving and system optimization
- Fluent in German and English, both written and spoken
- Independent, precise and reliable way of working
- Committed, flexible and team-oriented personality

EDUCATION

- Completed commercial education and further training in payroll / social insurance or at least 6 years of professional experience in Payroll

NICE TO HAVE QUALIFICATIONS

- Experience in German Payroll within an international environment
- Experience with SuccessFactors

COMMUNITY & CULTURE

- Fast-growing and dynamic environment, a modern workspace, flexible working hours

HOW TO APPLY
Please apply via our website www.vikingcareers.com (https://www.vikingcareers.com/) , including your CV in English and a one-page cover letter to introduce yourself and your interest for the role.

Ergänzende Informationen:
Anforderungen an den Bewerber:
Erweiterte Kenntnisse: SAP-Basis-System, Arbeitsrecht, SAP SuccessFactors, Personalverwaltung
Expertenkenntnisse: Sozialversicherungsrecht, Buchführung, Buchhaltung, Abrechnung, Personalwesen
Zwingend erforderlich: Lohn-, Einkommensteuer, Lohn- und Gehaltsbuchhaltung, -abrechnung