HR Payroll & Operations Specialist at Ketjen in Budapest, Hungary

HR Payroll & Operations Specialist

Location: Budapest, Hungary · Hybrid

Payroll/HR Operations Specialist

SUMMARY

About Ketjen
Ketjen Corporation is a provider of advanced catalyst solutions to leading producers in the petrochemical, refining, and specialty chemicals industries. Our company is driven by a strong set of core values: curiosity, care, collaboration, humility, accountability, and integrity. These values guide our decisions, shape our culture, and define how we work together to deliver exceptional value to our customers and communities.

About the Role
The Payroll/HR Operations Specialist is responsible for the life cycle of an employee from hire to retire, providing comprehensive HR administrative and advisory services for all employees globally. This position reports to the Supervisor of HR Operations and is based in Budapest.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Employee Lifecycle & HR Administration

• Manage end-to-end employee lifecycle by being the first contact person for colleagues via phone, chat, and online requests
• Prepare all types of documentation for employees, such as contracts, agreements, and employment verification letters, in a timely manner
• Support the on/offboarding process for the region
• Keep the HR database updated regarding all company structure changes and employee data
• Respond to written and verbal inquiries from internal and external sources to provide information and facilitate communication
• Keep appropriate records on communication with employees and properly store and safeguard required documentation and correspondence
• Actively participate in ongoing initiatives and projects outside of day-to-day work
• Perform and prioritize multiple tasks under time constraints and shifting priorities
• Follow and give oral and written directions to employees; maintain cooperative working relationships; interact with employees in a helpful, courteous, and concierge manner
• Identify areas for optimization in HR processes and help reduce manual touch points
• Assist with resolution of employee queries
• Manage relevant ad hoc duties and special projects
• Help to collate data for internal/external audit
• Provide HR customers and colleagues with excellent HR customer service
• Archiving of HR-related documents as per Record Retention Schedule

Payroll Administration

• Process payroll for all employees accurately and on time
• Ensure compliance with all payroll regulations and laws
• Maintain payroll records and ensure data integrity
• Handle payroll inquiries and resolve any discrepancies
• Collaborate with HR and finance teams to ensure accurate payroll processing
• Assist with payroll audits and reporting
• Stay updated on payroll best practices and regulations

QUALIFICATIONS

Required Qualifications

• 2+ years relevant work experience in HR administration
• College or University degree
• Fluency in English
• Advanced computer skills, including office applications, with a strong affinity for technology and digitization
• Good analysis, interpretation, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent customer service and communication skills
• Ability to prioritize and organize many independent processes
• Attention to detail and appropriate system inputs, especially when handling sensitive employee data

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ServiceNow, Workday, or comparable HCM systems
• Knowledge of any European language