Payroll Specialist – Europe

About the Bonhams Network

Founded in 1793, Bonhams is a global network of auction houses, with the largest number of international salerooms, offering the widest range of collecting categories and selling at all price points. Bonhams is recognised for its bespoke service, and a dedication to local market relationships, enhanced by a global platform. With 14 salerooms, Bonhams presents over 1,000 sales annually, across more than 60 specialist categories, including fine art, collectables, luxury, wine & spirits, and collector cars.  In 2022, Bonhams added four international auction houses to its network: Bukowskis, Stockholm; Bruun Rasmussen, Copenhagen; Cornette de Saint Cyr, Paris and Brussels; and Skinner, Massachusetts. The success of Bonhams’ global strategy is a result of recognising the shift in growing intercontinental buying and increased digital engagement.

About the Role

The Payroll Specialist – Europe is responsible for managing and overseeing payroll operations across multiple European countries, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery. Based in Paris, this role will act as the primary point of contact for outsourced payroll providers and internal stakeholders, ensuring payroll processes align with local legislation and company standards.

Working closely with the Global Payroll and Benefits Manager and partnering with Finance and HR teams across Europe, the Payroll Specialist will play a key role in maintaining operational excellence, supporting audits, and driving continuous improvement across payroll and HR administration processes.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities 

Payroll Operations

Manage the monthly payroll process across Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, and Switzerland.

Prepare, validate, and transmit payroll input data to the outsourced payroll provider; review payroll output and provide primary approvals.

Ensure accurate and timely payment of net salaries to all employees.

Reconcile and oversee statutory payments and reporting to tax authorities, social security bodies, and pension providers.

Manage the relationship with the outsourced payroll provider (Papaya experience advantageous), ensuring all declarations are completed accurately and on time.

Lead French payroll administration, including social declarations, data reconciliation (tax, social security, pensions, disability), and stakeholder liaison (internal and external).

Oversee luncheon voucher administration and transport reimbursements in France.

Manage IJSS/CPAM/B2V processes.

Calculate monthly payments for French interns outside of payroll.

Support internal and external payroll and social audits, particularly in France.

Respond to employee payroll-related queries in a timely and professional manner.

Provide payroll team coverage during absences (central and regional teams).

Administration & Benefits

Partner with Finance and HR teams on compensation and benefits matters, including salary and bonus review preparation and data validation.

Support the Head of People Europe with HR reporting (headcount, organisational charts, workforce data).

Ensure European handbooks and HR policies remain current and compliant.
Collaborate with HR and IT stakeholders on onboarding processes.

Monitor HRIS usage, ensuring data accuracy and correct leave accruals by managers and employees.

Support the London-based HR administration team with employment contracts and HR documentation.

Provide administrative support across the employee lifecycle, including starters, movers, leavers, benefits, and visa applications.

Process & Continuous Improvement

Support global HR strategic initiatives and take ownership of projects where appropriate.

Assist with organisational design and change initiatives across the business.

Identify opportunities to improve payroll and HR administrative processes.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation and best practice across relevant European jurisdictions.

Commit to ongoing professional development and continuous learning.

Key Skills and Experience

Technical Skills

Minimum 5 years’ payroll experience within an international organisation (French payroll expertise essential).

Strong knowledge of French payroll legislation and good understanding of wider European employment frameworks.

Experience working with an international payroll provider (Papaya experience beneficial but not essential).

Payroll qualification and degree-level education preferred.

Experience in payroll administration within a professional services or multi-site environment advantageous.

Technically proficient with HR systems and MS Office applications.

Soft Skills

Highly organised with strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Self-motivated, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Confident communicator in both English and French (additional European language a plus).

Able to build strong working relationships across all levels of the organisation.

Professional, credible, and service-oriented approach.

Practical problem-solver with a proactive mindset.

Flexible, resilient, and comfortable working in a dynamic, international environment.

What We Offer

Some of our benefits include:

Travel Allowance

Learning and Training Funding Programme

Welfare and Retirement Plans

If you wish to apply, please submit your CV and cover letter by the 6th March 2026 at midnight.

We thank you for your interest in this position but please note that we will only contact candidates chosen for further consideration.

Bonhams is an Equal Opportunity Employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and we are committed to an inclusive work environment.