Payroll Specialist

• Support Payroll Team Leadership in delivering a high-quality payroll and pensions service across the business.
• Process end-to-end payroll, pensions and employee expenses accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Ensure payroll activities meet agreed SLAs and KPIs , supporting wider departmental and business objectives.
• Maintain compliance with HMRC requirements, pensions legislation, internal controls and audit standards .
• Act as a key contact for internal and external stakeholders, including Finance, People/HR, wider business teams and third-party providers.
• Take ownership of assigned payroll and pensions responsibilities, proactively resolving queries and issues.
• Provide knowledgeable support on payroll and pensions administration .
• Identify opportunities to improve processes through standardisation, automation and reduced manual intervention .
• Support the testing and implementation of new payroll functionality, technology and system changes .
• Share knowledge and provide training/support to other members of the team.
• Contribute to a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive employee and payroll information.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum of 3 years' experience in end-to-end payroll and pensions processing .
• Strong knowledge of UK and Republic of Ireland payroll and pensions .
• A good understanding of payroll legislation, regulatory requirements, financial controls and compliance.
• Experience supporting payroll system implementations, upgrades or technology changes .
• Experience testing new system functionality and supporting/training colleagues.
• Strong cross-functional stakeholder management experience.
• Experience working with payroll, expenses and pensions platforms .
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft and Google Workspace applications .
• Experience using MHR iTrent and Standard Life platforms would be advantageous.
• A CIPP Payroll Technician qualification or Level 3 Payroll Administrator Apprenticeship , or equivalent, would be desirable.

• Strong end-to-end payroll and pensions knowledge.
• Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Strong understanding of payroll controls and best practice.
• Ability to identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement .
• Confident stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
• Clear and professional written and verbal communication.
• Strong organisation and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage tight payroll deadlines.
• Self-motivated with the ability to manage responsibilities with moderate supervision.
• High levels of integrity when handling confidential and sensitive information.
• A collaborative approach and willingness to contribute to the ongoing development of the wider payroll function.

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