Payroll Lead, EMEA

Via is on a mission to create public transportation systems that provide far greater access to jobs, healthcare, and education. Our platform serves as the technology backbone for modern transit networks, transforming antiquated and siloed public transportation systems into smart, data-driven, and efficient digital networks. With hundreds of agency partners around the world, Via is recognized as the leading transportation technology and service provider globally.

As Payroll Lead EMEA, you'll own the end-to-end payroll process for over 1,400 employees across the region - keeping one of the most critical parts of our business running smoothly, accurately, and compliantly. You'll actively process payroll for our German hourly workforce, while also providing guidance and oversight to our Payroll Managers responsible for Israel and the rest of Europe (employees across Israel, UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands). As we continue to scale across Europe, you'll work closely with our Finance, People, and Operations teams to strengthen payroll processes and ensure our teams are paid reliably and on time, every month.

We are also open to remote candidates as long as you have the flexibility to travel up to once a month to either Berlin or Amsterdam to participate in payroll processing with local teams.

What You’ll Do

• Own and drive the monthly payroll process for Via Germany - partnering closely with our external payroll provider and internal Finance, People, and Operations teams to ensure accurate, timely execution every month.
• Provide leadership and guidance to our Payroll Managers across Israel and the rest of Europe (UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands), ensuring consistent standards and best practices across the region.
• Monitor changes in German tax regulations, wage laws, and compliance requirements, making sure our processes stay aligned with evolving regulatory standards.
• Perform regular payroll audits to maintain the accuracy and integrity of employee pay data, and proactively design and implement process improvements and internal controls.
• Manage benefit deductions and tax withholdings, ensuring calculations and reporting are precise, compliant, and handled with the highest confidentiality.
• Lead payroll-related financial reporting - from preparing journal entries to reconciling general ledger accounts.
• Support on escalated payroll queries that the Support Operations team can't resolve independently.
• Contribute to cross-functional projects and operational improvements that strengthen payroll processes and support the broader Finance team.

Who You Are

• You bring 7+ years of payroll experience in Germany, including with hourly/shift-based employees, with a strong grasp of local regulations and tax requirements.
• You are familiar with payroll in other EMEA countries, e.g. Israel, UK, France, Netherlands.
• You're comfortable working with HRIS and payroll systems such as P&I Loga, and highly proficient in Microsoft Excel.
• You work with precision and ownership - detail-oriented, reliable, and able to meet strict deadlines independently.
• You communicate clearly and collaborate effectively across Finance, People, and other internal teams.
• You're proactive and process-driven, always looking for ways to improve workflows and make things run more smoothly.
• Prior experience leading or guiding a team is a plus.
• Fluency in English is required; German is a plus.

What We Offer

• Becoming part of a company that was awarded for its commitment to social good.
• If you're based in Berlin: a lovely office in the heart of the city at Chausseestraße, weekly team lunches and breakfast - and a team you'll love working with.
• Urban Sports Club membership.
• Company pension scheme (bAV) with a 20% employer contribution.
• 30 vacation days a year.

There has never been a more exciting time to be on the cutting edge of public mobility. Ready to join the ride?