Payroll Associate

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Switzerland, Basel

As a Payroll Associate
, you will play an important supporting role in the timely and accurate execution of payroll processes for Lonza employees based in Switzerland. You will collaborate closely with our third‑party payroll provider and internal partners—HR, Finance, and Tax—to ensure efficient processing of all payroll‑related tasks and support the implementation of compliant payroll solutions, including those for expatriates. The actual location of this job is in Basel, Switzerland.

Relocation assistance is available for eligible candidates and their families, if needed.

• An agile career and a dynamic work culture
• An inclusive and ethical workplace
• Compensation programs that recognise high performance
• In addition to a competitive salary, you can expect numerous lifestyle, family, and leisure benefits. The full list of our local tailored benefits can also be found below.

• Support Payroll Execution:
  Assist in coordinating and executing all aspects of payroll processing for our Swiss employees, including Board of Directors and International Assignees, in collaboration with our third‑party provider.
• Data Collection & Review:
  Collect and organise payroll‑related information from various internal sources (HR, Benefits, Compensation) for monthly payroll instructions.
• Processing Assistance:
  Support the accurate processing of employment life‑cycle changes such as new hires, terminations, transfers, tax changes, deductions, wage garnishments, and child allowances, ensuring compliance with local laws.
• Documentation and Entry:
  Help perform basic checks of internal payroll data, calculate standard overtime and pay premiums, and accurately enter/verify payroll data in the system.
• Statutory Reporting Support:
  Assist with the preparation & filing of standard monthly, quarterly, and yearly tasks (ELM, Pro Familia, BESTA, salary certificates) and help implement routine reports.
• Employee Support:
  Serve as a point of contact for employees regarding basic payroll inquiries and issues, escalating complex items as necessary.
• Collaboration:
  
  Cooperate with internal teams (HR, Finance/Accounting, Treasury, Tax, Legal) and external partners (payroll provider) to ensure smooth operations.
• Audit and Projects:
  Support internal, external, and statutory audits by providing required documentation. Assist with ad‑hoc projects and general job duties as assigned.

• Foundational
  
  Experience:
  
  Relevant professional experience (1‑3 years) in a detail‑focused administrative or financial role.
• Relevant Backgrounds Welcome:
  Candidates with experience in or knowledge of Accounting, General Ledger (GL), Tax, Human Resources, or similar financial/administrative functions are strongly encouraged to apply. Prior direct payroll experience is a plus, but not strictly required.
• Swiss Context:
  Basic understanding of Swiss employment or financial processes is an advantage. Willingness and ability to quickly learn Swiss payroll specificities (ELM, BESTA, etc.) is essential.
• Adaptability and Initiative:
  Proven ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritise effectively, and work independently with a strong self‑initiative in a dynamic environment.
• Communication
  
  Skills:
  
  Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, in German and English.
• Core Competencies:
  
  Excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and a high degree of discretion when handling sensitive data.
• Interpersonal
  
  Skills:
  
  Great interpersonal skills and a customer‑facing mindset to support and communicate effectively with employees at all levels.

At Lonza, our people are our greatest strength. With 30+ sites across five continents, our globally connected teams work together every day to manufacture the medicines of tomorrow. Our core values of Collaboration, Accountability, Excellence, Passion and Integrity reflect who we are and how we work together. Everyone’s ideas, big or small, have the potential to improve millions of lives, and that’s the kind of work we want you to be part of.

Innovation thrives when people from all backgrounds bring their unique perspectives to the table. At Lonza, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. If you’re ready to help turn our customers’ breakthrough ideas into viable therapies, we look forward to welcoming you on board.

Reference: R71121

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Not Applicable

Full‑time

Human Resources

Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

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