European Payroll Manager (6-month contract)

About Charles River Associates

Charles River Associates is a leading global consulting firm that provides economic, financial, and business management expertise to major law firms, corporations and governments around the world. CRA advises clients on economic and financial matters pertaining to litigation and regulatory proceedings, and guides corporations through critical business strategy and performance-related issues. Since 1965, clients have engaged CRA for its combination of industry experience and rigorous, fact-based analysis that provide clients with clear, implementable solutions to complex business concerns.

Position Overview

The Financial Administration team comprises about 35 professionals based in our Boston, Chicago and London offices. The team includes Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, Billing, Financial Reporting, Payroll, Revenue, Tax, and Treasury. Our culture embraces a growth mindset: inspiring excellence and bringing expertise and innovation to the role every day with a key focus on outstanding customer service and an ongoing commitment to efficient, ethical practices. In this role, you will be the primary contact for payroll in the European region and will be responsible for the accurate and prompt processing and preparation of the CRA’s Monthly Payrolls in the UK, Australia and 6 other European countries. This position reports to the Director of Global Disbursements and Payroll Operations.

Key Responsibilities

Manage relationships with third-party payroll providers in the UK, Australia and six European countries, ensuring service delivery meets company expectations and compliance standards. Collect, review, and validate payroll input data (including new hires, terminations, changes, bonuses, and deductions) for accurate processing by external vendors. Coordinate monthly payroll cycles, ensuring all deadlines are met and all payrolls are processed accurately and on time for each country. Review payroll outputs, reconcile discrepancies, and resolve any issues or queries with vendors or internal teams as needed. Stay current on local payroll regulations, statutory requirements, and changes in employment law across relevant European countries. Prepare, structure, and deliver detailed payroll reports and supporting documentation to the accounting department, ensuring all necessary information is available for accounting entries and audits. Assist in the implementation of new payroll processes, systems, or provider transitions as needed. Maintain and safeguard confidential payroll records in line with data privacy requirements (e.g., GDPR). Ensure timely and accurate governmental reporting and compliance, such as preparation of P11D’s and PSAs for the UK, short-term business visitors' agreements, etc. Work closely with Human Capital and the Benefits teams to resolve employee-related issues. Assist with Global Mobility issues and identify the need for shadow payrolls when required. Resolve payroll and vacation queries from employees. Prepare payroll documentation to satisfy internal and external audit requests.