Junior Payroll Administrator

Company Profile

nLighten is a leading European edge data centre platform operating across key markets throughout Europe. Founded in 2021, we are redefining digital infrastructure through our vision of being Close, Coupled and Connected, bringing sustainable, highly connected data centres closer to the businesses and communities we serve. As a fast-growing company, we are helping power the future of AI, cloud and digital innovation across Europe.

Learn more about us: www.nlighten.com

About the role

nLighten builds and operates sustainable edge data centers across Europe. As we grow, we are looking for a Payroll Administrator to own the accuracy and timeliness of payroll across our European entities.

Sitting within the HR department, you will be the central point of contact for our external Payroll Service Providers (PSPs) in Germany, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Belgium, Switzerland, France and Spain. You will make sure every employee is paid correctly and on time, keep payroll data consistent across countries, and help bring new countries onto our payroll landscape as nLighten expands.

Key responsibilities

• Coordinate the monthly payroll cycle with PSPs in seven countries, collecting and submitting all input (new hires, leavers, salary changes, bonuses, overtime, allowances, absences and leave) on time and in the format each provider requires.
• Review and validate payroll outputs from each PSP before approval, reconciling against HRIS data and the previous period and resolving discrepancies with the provider.
• Maintain accurate employee and payroll data in our HRIS (HiBob), keeping it aligned with what each PSP holds.
• Act as the first point of contact for employees on payslips, deductions, net pay and payroll-related questions.
• Manage the relationship with each PSP: service levels, cut-off calendars, escalations and periodic performance reviews.
• Work with Finance on payroll journals, cost allocations, accruals and payment files, and support month-end and year-end closing.
• Monitor local requirements for tax, social security, pension and statutory reporting in each country, flagging changes to HR and Finance.
• Support internal and external audits by preparing payroll reports and documentation.
• Help onboard new countries and entities into payroll as nLighten expands, including PSP selection, setup, data migration and first payroll runs.
• Build and maintain payroll process documentation, controls and checklists, and identify opportunities to standardise and improve processes across countries.

What We’re Looking for

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, Human Resources, or a related field.
• 0–2 years of relevant experience in Payroll, Finance, Accounting, or HR. Internship, placement-year, or part-time experience is absolutely welcome.
• An interest in developing a career in payroll and learning how payroll works across different European countries.
• Fluent English, both written and spoken.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Strong attention to detail and a comfortable approach to working with numbers and data.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Organised, reliable, and able to manage tasks accurately and on time.
• A proactive, problem-solving mindset and willingness to learn.
• Comfortable working in a fast-changing, international environment.

Why Join Us?

• Join a fast-growing European data centre platform shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

• Work with experienced colleagues across multiple European markets in a collaborative, international environment.

• Take meaningful ownership and help nLighten scale with precision, accountability and continuous improvement.

Apply now and be part of our journey toward a more connected, efficient, and sustainable digital future.

Background Check & Screening
All selected candidates will undergo a background check to ensure a safe workplace, protect company assets, and comply with regulations.

Diversity & Inclusion Statement
nLighten is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Even if you do not meet every requirement listed, we welcome your application. We particularly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.