We are Buro Happold
We are a world-class global practice of engineers, designers and advisors. We create transformative outcomes for clients and communities through integrated thinking and a truly interdisciplinary, interconnected community of passionate experts.
Our founder, Sir Ted Happold, believed that it was out of the different skills and bodies of knowledge we have across our firm, that the quality of what we do really emerges.
This culture of collaboration and respect is as strong today as ever and drives us to deliver elegant solutions that leave a positive lasting legacy for the communities we work in and the environment. We value human wellbeing, embrace mutual responsibility and understand that a sustainable future is intrinsic to the economic and social impact of our work.
About You
Are you an experienced finance professional looking to combine payroll expertise with broader financial accounting responsibilities in an international environment?
Buro Happold is looking to recruit a Payroll & Financial Accountant – CE Europe to join our European Finance Team in Lublin.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting payroll accounting, financial reporting and compliance activities across multiple European countries, including Poland, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands. Working closely with Finance, HR and external payroll providers, you will help ensure the accurate accounting of employee-related costs while contributing to the smooth delivery of month-end and year-end processes.
As part of our hybrid working model, the successful candidate will initially be based in our Lublin office to support onboarding, knowledge sharing and integration into the team before transitioning to a hybrid working arrangement.
Your key duties
- Support payroll accounting activities across Poland, Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands.
- Prepare and post payroll journals accurately and on time, ensuring compliance with internal policies and local requirements.
- Reconcile payroll-related balance sheet accounts, including payroll, tax, social security and pension liabilities.
- Support month-end, quarter-end and year-end close activities through timely reconciliations and financial reporting.
- Investigate and resolve payroll and accounting discrepancies in collaboration with payroll providers, HR and Finance teams.
- Assist with employee cost, payroll and headcount reporting and analysis.
- Support internal and external audits relating to payroll and employee costs.
- Maintain fixed asset registers, prepayment schedules and other supporting accounting records.
- Collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders across European entities on payroll and accounting matters.
- Contribute to process improvements, standardisation initiatives and strengthening financial controls.
Your skills and experience
As an experienced Payroll & Financial Accountant, it is expected that you would be able to demonstrate:
- multiple years of experience in payroll accounting, financial accounting or a related finance role.
- University degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration or a related discipline.
- Strong understanding of payroll accounting principles, balance sheet reconciliations and month-end processes.
- Experience working with outsourced payroll providers and multiple stakeholders.
- Advanced proficiency in MS Excel and familiarity with ERP systems.
- Fluency in Polish and a very good command of English.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to prioritise workloads, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks effectively.
- Proactive, collaborative and service-oriented approach to work.
Desirable:
- Experience supporting payroll accounting across multiple European countries.
- Knowledge of payroll legislation in Poland, Germany, Denmark and/or the Netherlands.
- Experience with Unit4 ERP, Workday or similar systems.
- Previous experience in a shared services, multinational or international finance environment.
- Professional accounting qualification (or progress towards one).
What We Offer across Europe:
- Flexibility & Wellbeing: Flexible and hybrid working arrangements, wellbeing initiatives and employee support programmes that help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
- Meaningful Work & Global Collaboration: Opportunities to work on exciting and challenging projects with local and international impact, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams across our global network.
- Learning, Development & Career Growth: Structured career paths, regular development conversations, internal and external learning opportunities, and support for your professional growth.
- Reward & Recognition: Annual salary reviews and performance-related bonus opportunities that recognise your contribution and impact.
- Inclusive Culture & Community: A collaborative and inclusive environment with knowledge-sharing opportunities, team events and opportunities to build your professional network.
- Innovation & International Opportunities: The chance to contribute ideas, make an impact from an early stage of your career, and explore international career development opportunities
- Agile Working Environment: Flat hierarchies and short decision-making processes.
Additionally, in Poland, we offer:
- Health, Wellbeing & Financial Security: Private medical care fully funded by Buro Happold, Employee Capital Plans (PPK), access to our Employee Assistance Programme and holiday allowance.
- Flexibility & Lifestyle Benefits: Stable employment, flexible working arrangements, and a subsidised Multisport Plus card or MyBenefit Cafeteria programme.
- Learning & Development: Free English and German language learning programmes, together with internal training programmes, workshops, webinars and hackathons.
- Recognition & Workplace Experience: Jubilee awards and modern office locations in Warsaw and Lublin.
