Payroll Specialist with Team Lead Option (80–100%)

Your mission

Job description

• Payroll & Abacus ownership: You have full responsibility for Swiss and international payroll (up to 400 employees), including end‑to‑end payroll processing in Abacus, coordination with external providers (DE, IS, US, CA), and acting as internal payroll expert. 

• Social insurances & pension fund: You oversee AHV, UVG, BVG, KTG and withholding tax processes, ensure correct implementation, and drive continuous improvements. 

• Time & absence management: You ensure accurate time and absence data aligned with Swiss and German working time policies. 

• Financial closing: You coordinate monthly and annual payroll‑related closing activities in collaboration with Accounting. 

• HR operations & process support: You have shared responsibility for employee data, operational HR tasks and Abacus‑based reporting, while handling payroll and time‑tracking inquiries through our ticketing system and continuously improving payroll and core HR processes. 

• HR operations management: You have the opportunity to assume leadership of the HR Operations team while serving as a payroll specialist, ensuring professional, efficient and business‑oriented HR processes and services. Overseeing the global HR administration across the full employee lifecycle. 

Your story

Requirements

• Educational background: You hold a commercial apprenticeship (EFZ) with further payroll‑related education. 

• Swiss HR & payroll expertise: You have a strong understanding of Swiss employment law, social insurances and compliance requirements, with hands‑on payroll experience in Switzerland. 

• Leadership experience (optional): You have previous HR leadership experience if taking on the team lead option. 

• Digital & HRIS skills: You are proficient in HR systems (ideally Abacus) with strong advanced MS Office skills. 

• Workstyle: You have strong attention to detail with a structured, reliable and solution‑oriented working approach and demonstrate high accuracy when handling confidential data and maintaining consistency in all tasks. 

• Communication & collaboration: You work effectively across functions and support colleagues. 

• Language skills: You are fluent in German and English. 

Our promise: At Climeworks, you are accepted for who you are, and we are committed to building an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply – regardless of background, identity, or experience. Studies show that women and individuals from minority backgrounds often only apply for jobs when they meet 100% of the listed criteria. If this sounds like you, don’t hold back. If you think you’d make a great fit for this role, we’d love to hear from you, even if you don’t check every single box. Let’s tackle one of humankind’s greatest challenges together.

What we offer:

• Time Off: Enjoy 25 paid vacation days every year, plus public holidays.

• Flexibility: Work how it suits you best. We offer a hybrid work setup and up to 4 weeks of remote work annually within any EU country.

• Ownership: Fair base pay paired with an equity package – because your contributions matter.

• Family Support: Inclusive parental leave.

• Continuous Learning: Dedicated budget to invest in your professional growth.

• Referral Rewards: Help us grow our team and earn bonuses for your successful referrals.

Salary: At Climeworks, salary ranges are assigned to a job based on the level of seniority and the location specific market median of similar jobs according to external benchmark surveys. Individual compensation depends on your skills, experience, and the value you bring to the team.

Formalities: 

• This position is based in Opfikon, Zurich, and we ask that you work onsite at least three days per week.

• The percentage in the job title means flexibility – choose full-time or part-time based on what works for you.

• We do not accept candidate profiles through recruitment agencies.

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