Senior People & Culture Specialist

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Tax Specialist to join our People & Culture team on a secondment basis. This role will support the organisation's payroll tax compliance activities, ensuring accurate reporting and adherence to HMRC regulations.

The successful candidate will work closely with Payroll, Finance, HR, external suppliers, and key stakeholders to manage employment tax matters, including PAYE Settlement Agreements (PSAs), P11Ds, benefits reporting, and payroll tax processes. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong payroll knowledge and a keen interest in tax compliance to develop their expertise in a fast-paced environment.

What you will do:

• Support all payroll tax compliance activities and ensure adherence to HMRC requirements.
• Coordinate and prepare annual P11D reporting and submissions.
• Manage PAYE Settlement Agreement (PSA) processes, including data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Review employee benefits, expenses, incentives and taxable items to determine correct tax treatment.
• Work closely with Payroll and Finance teams to ensure accurate payroll tax calculations and reporting.
• Liaise with third-party providers, including payroll vendors and tax advisors, to obtain and validate data.
• Support tax audits, reviews and HMRC enquiries as required.
• Assist with identifying tax risks and implementing process improvements.
• Develop and deliver training and guidance to managers and employees on employment tax-related matters.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation to support compliance obligations.
• Analyse large volumes of data, identify discrepancies and resolve issues promptly.
• Contribute to ongoing payroll and tax projects as required.

Systems & Technical Requirements:

• Good understanding of payroll processes and employment taxation.
• Experience of working with payroll systems.
• Knowledge of SD Worx payroll systems would be advantageous.
• Experience using SAP and SuccessFactors is desirable.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including data analysis and reconciliation.
• AI readiness - Work effectively in an environment shaped by artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, data, analytics and cloud-based tools, using insights responsibly with our standards of data governance, security and ethical use.

What you will bring:

• Previous experience in payroll, payroll tax, finance or employment tax.
• Good understanding of payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Strong problem-solving and investigative abilities.
• Ability to interpret and analyse large datasets.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working collaboratively within a team environment.

Desirable:

• Experience preparing or supporting P11D submissions and PAYE Settlement Agreements.
• Experience of working with third-party payroll providers.
• Familiarity with employee benefits taxation.
• Experience delivering training and guidance to managers or employees.
• Professional tax or payroll qualifications (or working towards) would be advantageous.

Personal Attributes:

• Highly organised and methodical.
• Curious and eager to understand complex tax issues.
• Able to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues and suppliers.
• Takes ownership and accountability for delivering high-quality work.
• Customer-focused with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive employee data appropriately.

What Success Looks Like:

• Accurate and timely completion of P11D and PSA reporting.
• Strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• High levels of payroll tax compliance and reduced risk.
• Identification of process improvements that enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Delivery of clear and effective tax guidance and training across the business.

This role would suit an experienced Payroll Specialist, Payroll Manager, Reward Analyst or HR professional looking to broaden their employment tax expertise within a collaborative and supportive environment.