Global Assignments Specialist

Global Assignments Specialist

Role Summary

• Direct and manage the day-to-day activities associated with the VWGoA global assignments program, including immigration matters, compensation collection, repatriation, inquiries from assignees, and general administration.
• Evaluate objective criteria exceptions as a subject matter expert for expatriate tax and compensation/payroll matters, social security taxes/totalization agreements, tax treaties, business travel and/or relocation tax compliance accounting and optimization.
• Support the administration of Foreign Service agreements and make recommendations to enhance the competitive position and cost effectiveness of the policy.
• Provide tax and payroll reconciliation to international assignees and business unit partners throughout the lifecycle of an assignment, acting as the point of escalation for tax and payroll assignee and leadership inquiries
• Assist with the implementation of a relocation management company (RMC) with a focus on data files and vendor management in support of full life-cycle support.

Role Responsibilities

• Coordinate day-to-day activities associated with the assignees, which include:

• Monitoring and managing assignee home leaves, flight budgets, function-based premium, split pay changes, rent renewal increases, etc.
• Processing paperwork and monitoring reimbursements for assignment-related benefits
• Processing invoices from home country
• Managing language lessons for assignee, spouse and children
• Handling arrangements for school enrollment for dependents
• Coordinating intercultural training for assignee and spouse

• Work with immigration attorneys to ensure the compliance and adherence to immigration laws. Monitor the expiration of visas and coordinate the visa extension process. Assist in processing visa applications for all foreign assignees and business travelers. Work with both employees and managers to gather the needed documentation to move the process along.
• Prepare and review details of Global Assignment contracts with assignees. Gather and build on knowledge to discuss frequently asked questions and provide critical information to assignees to set strong assignment expectations and clear understandings.
• Facilitate and prepare paperwork for the initiation process by working closely with home country Human Resources personnel, e.g. preparation of EPA, and all necessary authorizations, application of Totalization Certificates (for expats), and coordination of the look and see trip.
• Work with external preparer on the annual tax process and ensuring assignees have materials ready and meet deadlines. Assist in the delivery of tax organizers to assignees, and facilitate meetings for assignees with tax consultants. Assist in monitoring the return of the tax organizers for the successful completion of tax returns.
• Reconcile and review the monthly payroll for assignees to ensure all data has been captured and reported correctly.
• Monitor and process requests for reimbursements to ensure compliance to policy provisions.
• Review and approval housing lease agreements to ensure they meet the VWGoA standards and arrange for payments for security deposits and first month’s rent. Use good judgement in evaluating out of the ordinary landlord requirements against the market and assignee needs to enable flexibility when needed.
• Monitor services provided to assignees by vendors and internal team members and functional partners by soliciting feedback and following up with any issues. Compile recurring pain points to review with managed vendors and internal VW providers to drive improvement. Work with vendors to ensure payments processed for the assignees are appropriately recorded for tax compliance.
• Ensure compliance to the policy and communicate changes in a timely and effective way.
• Work closely with home and host country payroll contacts to ensure a smooth delivery of compensation.
• Assist in coordinating the tracking of tax refunds and crediting back the appropriate cost centers.
• Work with and maintain strong relationships with internal functional groups who may be responsible for, consulted with, or informed about various services, products, or information in association with assignments.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of international or related HR experience

Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Resources Management or related field
• Master’s Degree (desired)
• Global HR competency/certification (desired)

General Skills:

• Organizing and planning skills
• Independent work direction and management
• Expert proficiency in Excel
• Excellent math and analysis skills.
• Excellent customer service skills - experience in researching and resolving employee issues in a timely and professional manner
• Strong high-touch customer orientation, including ability to manage top management FSEs
• Analytical and conceptual thinking – using logic and reason, creative and strategic
• Strategic thinking skills, results oriented and able to manage complexity within the business
• Communication skills – interpersonal, presentation and written
• Computer savvy – skilled in the use of software
• Integration – joining people, processes or systems
• Business partnership and influencing skills
• Project management capability
• Problem solving, innovation, and strong process improvement orientation
• Sensitivity to worldwide cultural issues
• Vendor management capability
• Budget management

Specialized Skills:

• Knowledge of U.S. immigration and tax laws
• Experience in processing executive and foreign service payroll, including applicable taxation rules
• Experience and knowledge of the tax filing requirements and process
• German language skills (desired)
• Experience with ADP Vantage (desired)
• Familiarity of immigration, tax, and labor laws of other countries for outbound employees (desired)
• International relocation management (desired)

Work Flexibility:

• Flexibility in work scheduling is required

Volkswagen Group of America is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds, and do not discriminate based on race, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, color, gender identity/expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws.