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- Tasks: Manage payroll and benefits for European offices while supporting UK payroll delivery.
- Company: Join a fast-growing, tech-enabled insurance business with a global presence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a salary up to £75,000, a discretionary bonus, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-performing HR team in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: 5 years' experience in payroll and benefits, with strong Excel skills and attention to detail.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with 3 days in brand new central London offices.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Job Description
Payroll & Benefits Specialist – EU Focus
Insurance Business, London
£75,000 + Bonus
Your New Business
You will be joining a fast-growing, tech-enabled insurance business with a truly global footprint. With offices across the UK, Europe and North America, the company prides itself on its innovation, agility, and a forward-thinking approach to risk. As part of a high-performing HR team, you'll play a key role in delivering seamless payroll and benefits support to employees across the UK and Europe.
Your New Role
As Payroll & Benefits Specialist, you will be responsible for managing end-to-end payroll and benefits processes across multiple regions:
- Manage payroll operations for European offices (Spain and the Netherlands), and support UK payroll delivery
- Liaise with external vendors to ensure accurate and compliant payroll processing
- Handle employee changes including starters, leavers, bonuses, statutory pay, and allowances
- Act as a key point of contact for payroll and benefits queries, escalating complex cases as needed
- Support the annual salary and bonus review cycle and contribute to monthly payroll reconciliation and reporting
- Administer a range of benefits schemes, including pensions, life insurance, healthcare, and voluntary benefits
- Collaborate with HR, Finance, and Audit teams to ensure payroll accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement
- Contribute to key reporting processes such as gender and ethnicity pay gap reporting
What You'll Bring
- 5 years' experience in payroll and benefits, with experience in both the UK and European regions
- Experience working with international payroll systems – ADP Celergo experience is not essential but is highly desirable
- Solid understanding of UK payroll legislation and working knowledge of European statutory requirements
- Strong Excel skills (including PivotTables, VLOOKUPs) and ability to work with large data sets
- Strong communication skills with the ability to manage vendors and collaborate with multiple stakeholders
- Detail-oriented mindset and a proactive, problem-solving approach
- CIPP qualified or working towards a relevant payroll certification
What's on Offer
- Salary up to £75,000 (dependent on experience)
- Bonus: Discretionary annual performance bonus
- Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including pension, private medical cover, and more
- Hybrid working, 3 days per week in brand new offices in central London
Ready for your next step?
Apply now or contact us for a confidential chat
Payroll & Benefit Specialist - EU - Morgan McKinley employer: Morgan McKinley
Contact Detail:
Morgan McKinley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll & Benefit Specialist - EU - Morgan McKinley
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific payroll systems mentioned in the job description, especially if you have experience with ADP Celergo. Understanding how these systems work can give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of UK and European payroll legislation. Being able to discuss recent changes or challenges in payroll compliance will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed payroll operations in previous roles, particularly in a multi-regional context. Highlighting your problem-solving skills and attention to detail will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with professionals in the payroll and benefits field, especially those who have experience in the insurance sector. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll & Benefit Specialist - EU - Morgan McKinley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in payroll and benefits, especially within the UK and European regions. Use specific examples that demonstrate your understanding of payroll legislation and your ability to manage payroll operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your experience with international payroll systems and how your skills align with the job requirements. Be sure to include your proactive problem-solving approach.
Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your strong Excel skills and detail-oriented mindset in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've used these skills to improve payroll processes or resolve complex issues in previous roles.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors or typos. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Payroll & Benefits Specialist.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan McKinley
✨Know Your Payroll Legislation
Make sure you brush up on UK payroll legislation and European statutory requirements. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the complexities of the role and can navigate them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Excel Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your Excel proficiency, especially with PivotTables and VLOOKUPs. You might be asked to solve a problem or analyse data during the interview, so having examples ready will set you apart.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and culture. Since they pride themselves on innovation and agility, think of examples from your past experience that align with these traits and be ready to share them.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions related to payroll and benefits management. Think about how you would handle common challenges, such as managing employee changes or liaising with vendors, and prepare structured responses.
