Senior Payroll Specialist (Netherlands) - Oyster

About Oyster

Oyster is building a global employment platform that empowers companies to hire, pay, and care for brilliant people anywhere in the world. We believe talent is universal, and we're dedicated to closing the gap between companies and the global talent pool. As a remote-first company operating in over 60 countries, we've been recognized for our innovative approach and high-performing culture.

Our Accolades:

• Ranked #10 of 250 on TIME and Statista's 2026 list of America's Top WorkTech Companies.
• Named one of America's Greatest Startup Workplaces 2026 by Newsweek.
• A G2 Spring 2026 Leader across Employer of Record, Global Employment, Multi-country Payroll, and HR Compliance.
• The only B Corp-certified global employment platform since 2023.

At Oyster, culture and performance are intertwined. We're looking for individuals who are passionate about doing their best work alongside a team that shares their dedication.

Location: This role requires you to be based in the Netherlands and have the legal right to work there.

Role Summary

This is a pivotal role for Oyster as we expand our presence in the Netherlands. As our lead in-house payroll expert, you will have significant ownership over our Dutch payroll operations, driving us towards best-in-class payroll standards at scale. You will be responsible for managing the entire Dutch payroll lifecycle, building scalable workflows in AFAS, Nmbrs by Visma, and/or Loket.nl, and setting the benchmark for payroll excellence. If you have end-to-end Dutch payroll experience, deep knowledge of AFAS, Nmbrs by Visma, and/or Loket.nl, a strong vision for payroll best practices, and a track record of building or transforming payroll functions, this role is ideal for you.

Core Responsibilities

• End-to-End Payroll Execution: Own and manage the complete Dutch payroll cycle, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timeliness.
• Master Data Management: Oversee the validation of employee payroll master data, including new hires, terminations, salary adjustments, variable pay, benefits, absences, and garnishments (loonbeslag).
• Payroll Controls & Quality Assurance: Conduct rigorous pre- and post-payroll validations, investigate discrepancies, and implement corrective actions to maintain payroll accuracy.
• Statutory Filings & Access Management: Manage all statutory filings, including Loonaangifte (monthly payroll tax) and Jaaropgave (annual statement) with the Belastingdienst. Set up and manage required government accesses (Belastingdienst, UWV).
• Payroll System Ownership: Configure, maintain, and test the in-house payroll system, including legislative updates. Troubleshoot issues and collaborate with the Product team to enhance automation and scalability.
• Subject Matter Expertise: Provide expert advice on Dutch wage tax (Loonheffing), social insurance (Sociale verzekeringen), labor law (arbeidsrecht), 30% ruling applications, and collective labor agreement (CAO) interpretation.
• Financial Oversight: Oversee payroll journals, GL mappings, reconciliations with Finance, and ensure full data integrity.
• Complex Escalation Management: Serve as the primary point of contact for complex client payroll issues, leveraging technical expertise and a customer-first approach.
• Reporting: Prepare statutory and ad-hoc reports, including those required for the EU Pay Transparency Directive, AVG/GDPR compliance, WKR, and Ondernemingsraad (works council) documentation.
• Audit Support: Provide structured data and documentation for internal and external audits.
• Team Development: Improve processes, coach junior specialists, and maintain a comprehensive knowledge base (playbooks, SOPs) for shared learning.

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years of experience running the complete native (in-house) payroll process for the Netherlands, managing a high volume of payslips.
• Non-negotiable advanced, hands-on experience with AFAS and/or Nmbrs by Visma and/or Loket.nl.
• PDL (Praktijkdiploma Loonadministratie) and/or VPS (Vakopleiding Payroll Services) certification and/or NIRPA Register Salarisadministrateur (RSa) registration. A Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or Finance is highly valued.
• Deep, current working knowledge of Dutch wage tax, social insurance, and labor law, with the confidence to advise stakeholders directly.
• Dutch language proficiency at C1/C2 level for local authority interactions, and fluent English for global team collaboration.
• Proven ability to manage complex, sensitive client escalations with a balance of technical precision and a customer-first mindset.
• An analytical, productivity-obsessed mindset focused on building and optimizing processes with an automation-first approach.
• Comfort operating in ambiguity and driving cross-functional change.
• Experience coaching or mentoring less experienced colleagues.
• Comfort working asynchronously in a fast-paced, remote-first environment.

Desirable Skills

• Broader accounting background or qualification (e.g., RA/AA accountancy qualification).
• Proven experience in delivering cross-functional HR/Payroll projects.
• Hands-on capability with AI tools for payroll or operations workflow optimization.
• Strong data transformation skills and practical experience with data analytics platforms.

How we work together at Oyster

Our values—making it happen, driving change, building trust, and moving as one—guide our work and culture. Our mission is to create a more equal world of work by enabling companies to hire, pay, and care for talent anywhere. We embrace asynchronous, collaborative work and share our practices openly.

How YOU work

Our "How YOU Work" program supports your holistic experience at Oyster:

• Work from anywhere: Work remotely as long as you are authorized to work where you live and your work is timely.
• Paid time off: 40 days off per year (including holidays and vacation), or more if required by local law.
• Mental health support: Access to Plumm, our mental well-being service.
• Wellbeing allowance: Monthly allowance via ThanksBen for a wide range of wellness options.
• Flexible parental leave: Minimum of three months' paid leave for all new parents, with job protection up to 12 months or as locally required.
• WFH stipend: A stipend for your laptop and home office equipment.

We embrace diverse perspectives and encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every criterion. Oyster is committed to equal opportunity and fostering an inclusive environment. If you require accommodations during the recruitment process, please email jobs@oysterhr.com with the subject line: Interview Accommodations.

Our team will only contact you from an @oysterhr.com email address. We will never ask for money as part of the interview process or job offer. Please report any suspicious communications to our Compliance and Ethics Helpline.