Payroll & HR Operations Specialist

Location: Athens Workplace: OnSite About the company: KIEFER is building Greece's integrated AI ecosystem. From renewable energy infrastructure and AI systems to robotics and enterprise applications, we connect the technologies that power Europe's intelligent future. Founded in 2014, KIEFER has delivered 600MW+ of energy projects and is now developing sovereign AI infrastructure, enterprise AI products and physical AI systems for Greece and Southeast Europe. PAYROLL SPECIALIST | ATHENS KIEFER is looking for a Payroll Specialist to join our HR team in Athens. We are looking for a hands-on payroll professional who can take ownership of payroll operations from data collection and validation through monthly closing, combining strong technical expertise with accuracy, accountability and a technology-driven mindset. WHAT YOU WILL DO • Manage and validate monthly payroll inputs, ensuring accuracy and completeness before payroll closing • Monitor time & attendance, overtime, leave, absences, allowances, benefits and compensation changes • Perform payroll checks, reconciliations and variance analysis before finalization • Manage employee lifecycle documentation, including hires, contractual changes and terminations • Handle payroll-related processes and submissions through ERGANI II • Ensure compliance with Greek labor, payroll and social security legislation • Maintain accurate employee and payroll data across HR and payroll systems • Prepare payroll, headcount and compensation reports • Work closely with HR, Finance, Accounting and external partners • Respond to employee payroll queries accurately and confidentially • Proactively identify payroll risks, inconsistencies and exceptions before they impact payroll closing AI & DIGITAL HR OPERATIONS At KIEFER, AI is part of how we are evolving the way we work. • Actively use KIEFER’s AI ecosystem, including Sophea Nous and Sophea Meet, alongside other digital and automation tools • Apply AI to payroll data validation, anomaly detection, reporting and documentation • Identify opportunities to automate repetitive workflows, improving speed, accuracy and control • Use AI and data tools to support smarter HR operations and decision-making • Continuously challenge existing processes and identify simpler, faster and more effective ways of working WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR • Proven experience in Payroll / HR Operations • Strong knowledge of Greek labor, payroll and social security legislation • Practical experience with ERGANI II, time & attendance and payroll processes • Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with payroll and compensation data • Experience with Payroll and/or HRIS platforms • Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills • Excellent attention to detail and a strong control mindset • High level of ownership, accountability and confidentiality • Ability to work independently, manage priorities and deliver accurately within demanding deadlines • Genuine interest in AI, automation and HR technology WHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKE Accurate payroll. On-time closing. Reliable data. Strong controls. Clear ownership. Smarter processes. WHY KIEFER This role is an opportunity to combine core payroll expertise with the evolution of a technology-enabled and data-driven HR function, where AI and automation are practical tools for improving execution, controls and decision-making. As part of this evolution, KIEFER is strengthening its approach to fair, transparent and data-driven compensation, with a focus on: • Pay Transparency — strengthening compensation data quality, job and pay structures, and reporting readiness in line with the EU Pay Transparency framework • Gender Pay Equity — using reliable pay data and pay-gap analysis to support consistent and equitable compensation practices If you combine payroll expertise, ownership and a technology-driven mindset, we would like to hear from you. Join KIEFER.