Analyst, Junior Payroll Specialist

About this role

The Global Payroll & Employment Tax function at BlackRock is a dynamic and dedicated group of professionals responsible for ensuring accurate payroll processing and tax compliance for our global employees of approximately 22,000. Our team is committed to maintaining compliance with all relevant regulations and providing exceptional service to our colleagues. We work collaboratively with various internal stakeholders to streamline operations and continuously improve our processes and value precision, efficiency, and a positive work environment.

As a Payroll Specialist in the International Payroll team, you will be responsible for the end-to-end processing of several payrolls across multiple countries within an outsourced payroll model in the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region.

This position requires a strong understanding of payroll processes in the EMEA region.  The successful candidate will have strong technical payroll knowledge in Serbia especially and have excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. As a member of our International Payroll department in EMEA, you must be able to deliver accurate, compliant and timely payroll processing for the countries under your remit.

The role:

• Responsibility for the end-to-end processing and controls for our Serbian payroll initially, delivering pay timely, effectively, and within all local regulatory, tax and labor guidelines.  Similar responsibility for other EMEA countries where BlackRock operates will be transferred to this role after an initial period - details to be confirmed.
• Responsibility for the day-to-day interactions with the third-party payroll vendor as well as ensuring all required actions are carried out for each pay cycle as per our agreed processes.
• Partnering with internal teams such as HR Business Partners, HR Benefit Operations, HR Leave Administration, HR Mobility to ensure our joint processes are aligned for maximum effectiveness.
• Build good understanding of some other EMEA payrolls to be able to act as competent back-up for other team members
• Liaison with Compensation Accounting to ensure General Ledger files being delivered by vendor accurately and on time.  In addition, to assist with clearing control account breaks post payroll each month.
• Ensuring all employee queries are satisfactorily managed in a timely manner from a payroll perspective, working with the local payroll vendor and other Internal Stakeholders where required. 
• Balance day-to-day responsibilities with any project work and professional development opportunities
• Participate in weekly meetings with our vendor where the Team can highlight any issues and collaborate on accurate and timely resolution.
• Connect with peers (within team and across regions) to share best practices, ideas and solutions

Skills Required:

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience in processing Serbian payroll is essential for this role.  Knowledge of other countries would also be an advantage although not strictly necessary
• Financial services industry experience is preferable.
• Knowledge of withholding tax, related tax filings, tax policy and regulations as they relate to EMEA, particularly Serbia.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work collaboratively across different internal teams and vendors alike.
• Ability to confidently interact with all levels of the organization.
• Strong client service mentality and able to develop great working relationships with colleagues, internal partners, and vendors to deliver a high-quality service.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, in an organized manner, and adhere to strict completion deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail combined with a positive and ‘can-do’ attitude.
• Teamwork including collaborating with remote team members.
• Appropriate discretion in dealing with confidential information.

Additional skills that would enhance performance in the role:

• A recognized payroll qualification is a plus
• Risk management mindset.
• Accounting knowledge, especially in control account reconciliations and resolving discrepancies.
• Solid Strong analytical skills and problem-solving acumen would be an advantage
• Adaptable, resilient and embraces change.
• Ability to identify, analyze and develop improvements to processes and/or procedures.
• Knowledge of Sarbanes Oxley would be helpful as the firm has a SoX control framework that must be adhered to.

Our benefits

To help you stay energized, engaged and inspired, we offer a wide range of employee benefits including: retirement investment and tools designed to help you in building a sound financial future; access to education reimbursement; comprehensive resources to support your physical health and emotional well-being; family support programs; and Flexible Time Off (FTO) so you can relax, recharge and be there for the people you care about.

Our hybrid work model

BlackRock’s hybrid work model is designed to enable a culture of collaboration and apprenticeship that enriches the experience of our employees, while supporting flexibility for all. Employees are currently required to work at least 4 days in the office per week, with the flexibility to work from home 1 day a week. Some business groups may require more time in the office due to their roles and responsibilities. We remain focused on increasing the impactful moments that arise when we work together in person – aligned with our commitment to performance and innovation. As a new joiner, you can count on this hybrid model to accelerate your learning and onboarding experience here at BlackRock.

About BlackRock

At BlackRock, we are all connected by one mission: to help more and more people experience financial well-being.  Our clients, and the people they serve, are saving for retirement, paying for their children’s educations, buying homes and starting businesses. Their investments also help to strengthen the global economy: support businesses small and large; finance infrastructure projects that connect and power cities; and facilitate innovations that drive progress.

This mission would not be possible without our smartest investment – the one we make in our employees. It’s why we’re dedicated to creating an environment where our colleagues feel welcomed, valued and supported with networks, benefits and development opportunities to help them thrive.

For additional information on BlackRock, please visit @blackrock | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

BlackRock is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to age, disability, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation and other protected characteristics at law.