France Payroll Lead – France Payroll Lead

Role context

Within our Global Business Services organization, you will be responsible for driving and coordinating end-to-end payroll operations for France, to ensure accurate, compliant payroll delivered on time, in line with local regulations and internal controls.

You will be the main point of contact for France payroll activities and will work closely with local HR teams, employees, the payroll provider, Finance and internal stakeholders to ensure operational excellence, payroll quality and continuous process improvement.

This role requires solid operational payroll experience, a strong ability to take ownership of topics, and the capacity to drive incident resolution and operational stabilization in a dynamic environment. Exposure to international environments or an interest in payroll topics beyond the France scope will be considered an asset.

Key responsibilities

• Drive and coordinate end-to-end France payroll operations, ensuring deadlines, regulatory compliance and processing quality are met.
• Manage the full payroll cycle including payroll inputs, validations, calculations, payroll outputs, controls and preparation of final payroll approval.
• Ensure payroll accuracy through robust controls, reconciliations and proactive handling of anomalies.
• Supervise and support GTA (Time and Activity Management) activities to ensure the reliability of employee data and its proper integration into payroll.
• Work closely with the payroll provider to ensure service quality, incident resolution and operational performance.
• Act as the main escalation point for operational payroll topics and coordinate corrective actions when necessary.
• Take part in accounting reconciliation activities with the payroll provider and Finance teams.
• Provide expert support to HR teams and stakeholders on complex situations: joiners, leavers, contractual changes, adjustments, absences and regulatory impacts.
• Ensure efficient handling of employee requests related to payroll and GTA within the defined service levels.
• Prepare payroll reports, performance indicators, analyses and follow-up communications.
• Maintain payroll process documentation and keep it up to date.
• Identify opportunities for simplification, optimization and continuous improvement of processes and controls.
• Take part in payroll projects, audits, tool changes, provider transitions and transformation initiatives.
• Work with regional and global teams to ensure alignment of payroll operations.

Desired profile

You are an experienced payroll professional with strong expertise in French payroll and its regulatory obligations. You combine operational excellence, a service-oriented mindset and the ability to manage complex topics with different stakeholders.

Required skills

• Higher education degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources or an equivalent field.
• Fluent French and professional English.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in France payroll, with responsibility for full payroll cycles.
• Solid knowledge of French payroll and social regulations.
• Proven experience managing payroll end-to-end (inputs, processing, outputs and controls).
• Experience collaborating with payroll providers and managing service quality.
• Experience with GTA / Time and Activity Management processes.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Experience in a GBS, SSC, BPO or international environment.

Preferred skills

• Experience in other European or international markets is a plus.
• Interest in or willingness to develop exposure to international payroll environments and multi-country organizations.
• Experience with payroll transition, transformation or stabilization projects.
• Experience managing environments with multiple stakeholders.
• A drive for continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Compensation: €47,000 to €61,000 gross per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

Location: France

Work mode: Hybrid (2 days per week on site, the rest remote)

Work authorization: The candidate must have legal authorization to work in France.

Job Level: Professional

Why Biogen?

We are a global team with a commitment to excellence, and a pioneering spirit. As a mid-sized biotechnology company, we provide the stability and resources of a well-established business while fostering an environment where individual contributions make a significant impact. Our team encompasses some of the most talented and passionate achievers who have unparalleled opportunities for learning, growth, and expanding their skills. Above all, we work together to deliver life-changing medicines, with every role playing a vital part in our mission. Caring Deeply. Achieving Excellence. Changing Lives.

At Biogen, we are committed to building on our culture of inclusion and belonging that reflects the communities where we operate and the patients we serve. We know that diverse backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives make us a stronger and more innovative company, and we are focused on building teams where every employee feels empowered and inspired. Learn more to learn more about Biogen.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, religion, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information or any other basis protected by federal, state or local law. Biogen is an E-Verify Employer in the United States.