Payroll Specialist – French Payroll (6‑month contract)

About the role

We are seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage French payroll operations for a leading international financial services organisation. The role is based in London and will run for six months, focusing on accuracy, compliance and supporting a major payroll transformation to Oracle Cloud.

Key responsibilities

• Own the end‑to‑end monthly payroll cycle for France, processing bonuses, commissions, overtime and other variable elements.
• Act as the primary liaison with the external payroll provider, monitoring service level agreements and ensuring timely delivery.
• Collaborate with HR Business Partners and internal stakeholders to collect, validate and process payroll data.
• Interpret and apply complex French payroll components such as Benefits in Kind, RTT, stock options, RSUs and collective agreement requirements.
• Provide first‑line support for employee payroll queries, explaining payslips, social charges and Prélèvement à la Source.
• Maintain full compliance with French labour law, including DSN submissions and annual declarations.
• Conduct pre‑ and post‑payroll reconciliations to guarantee data accuracy and mitigate risk.
• Support the payroll transformation project, participating in testing and migration activities to Oracle Cloud.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing French payroll end‑to‑end.
• Strong knowledge of French payroll legislation (DSN, PAS, social contributions).
• Experience working with outsourced payroll providers.
• Familiarity with complex French pay structures and benefits.
• Excellent attention to detail and a compliance‑focused mindset.
• Effective stakeholder management and communication abilities.

Required skills

• Oracle Cloud

What we offer

• Opportunity to join a well‑established international organisation.
• Exposure to a large‑scale payroll transformation project.
• Collaborative and supportive working culture.
• Competitive daily rate of £350‑£400.
• Flexible hybrid working model with primarily onsite days in London.