Senior Payroll Accountant

About the role

IFF, a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients and health & biosciences, is hiring a Senior Payroll Accountant for its Global Business Services function. The role takes ownership of payroll accounting processes across the EAME region, driving accuracy, compliance and continuous improvement. It is based in Budapest and is a hybrid position.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare and post payroll-related journal entries and ensure payroll transactions follow US GAAP and local accounting requirements.
• Partner with external payroll providers to understand payroll components and their accounting impact.
• Prepare and review accruals such as vacation, incentive plans, pensions and other locally required accruals.
• Reconcile payroll-related balance sheet and profit & loss accounts and investigate variances.
• Support month-end close and ensure payroll reporting is accurate and on time.
• Maintain relationships with Finance, Human Resources, Payroll teams and external auditors.
• Support compliance, controls, audit activities and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements where applicable.
• Drive process standardization and act as a senior point of reference within the accounting team.

Required profile

• Minimum 4-5 years of experience in accounting, payroll accounting or a related finance role.
• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics or a related field.
• Strong understanding of GAAP and core accounting processes.
• Experience with month-end close, account reconciliations and financial reporting.
• Excellent written and spoken English, strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Stakeholder management and collaboration skills, with a proactive approach to improving processes.

Required skills

• Advanced Microsoft Excel for analyzing and interpreting financial data.
• Nice to have: experience in a multinational or shared services environment, knowledge of SAP or other ERP systems, and experience supporting audits and internal controls.

What we offer

• A highly visible regional role supporting multiple countries across EAME.
• Hybrid working model.
• Inclusive, collaborative and international working environment.
• Exposure to global finance processes, systems and stakeholders.
• Continuous learning and professional development, and career growth within a global organization.