Payroll Specialist

As a UK Payroll Specialist, you will support the accurate and timely delivery of payroll services for UK employees. Your main responsibilities will include:

• Preparing, validating and submitting payroll input to the external payroll provider.
• Reviewing payroll calculations and reports to identify and resolve discrepancies before payroll approval.
• Processing employee changes, including new hires, leavers, salary changes, absence data, overtime, bonuses and other variable payments.
• Supporting statutory payroll activities, including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, pension contributions and Real Time Information reporting.
• Performing payroll reconciliations and supporting the completion of month-end, year-end and post-payroll activities.
• Responding to employee and stakeholder payroll queries clearly and within agreed service levels.
• Coordinating with HR Operations, Finance, external providers and other relevant teams to resolve payroll issues.
• Maintaining accurate payroll records, supporting audits and ensuring that required payroll controls are completed and documented.
• Identifying recurring errors, supporting root-cause analysis and contributing to improvements in payroll processes and controls.
• Preparing payroll reports and supporting additional payroll-related activities and projects as required.
• Processing off cycle and manual payments to employees and third party entities

The role requires a high level of accuracy, confidentiality and ownership, together with a good understanding of UK payroll legislation and the ability to work effectively within strict payroll deadlines

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Previous payroll experience is essential.
• Experience in UK payroll would be an advantage.
• Degree or professional qualification in Payroll, Finance, Accounting, Human Resources or a related field would be beneficial.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong sense of ownership and accountability for assigned payroll activities.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately with payroll data.
• Ability to manage priorities and meet strict payroll deadlines.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong Excel skills and experience working with HR or payroll systems.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential employee information appropriately.
• Proactive and collaborative approach to working with internal stakeholders and external payroll providers.