Senior Payroll and Reward Advisor

Senior Payroll and Reward Advisor

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Anderson Knight

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage complex payroll matters and enhance employee experience through process improvements.
  • Company: Leading organisation in Edinburgh with a collaborative HR team.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on continuous improvement and employee satisfaction.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on payroll processes and employee rewards in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Proven senior payroll experience and strong understanding of UK payroll legislation.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Are you an experienced payroll professional with a passion for accuracy, process improvement, and employee experience? This is a fantastic opportunity to join a leading organisation in Edinburgh as aSenior Payroll & Reward Specialist, taking ownership of complex payroll matters and supporting the wider reward agenda.

The Role

As the Senior Payroll & Reward Specialist, you’ll act as the go-to expert for all payroll and reward-related matters. You’ll manage escalated payroll queries, ensure compliance with HMRC and company policies, and play a key role in delivering an accurate and efficient payroll service. In addition, you’ll support annual reward cycles, benefits administration, and continuous process improvements.

Key Responsibilities

  • Act as the first point of escalation for complex payroll queries and discrepancies.
  • Oversee the end-to-end monthly payroll process, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Liaise with third-party payroll providers and internal stakeholders to resolve issues promptly.
  • Support reward initiatives including salary reviews, bonus processing, and benefits administration.
  • Ensure compliance with statutory requirements (PAYE, NI, pensions, HMRC submissions).
  • Provide data and reporting to support HR, Finance, and business leaders.
  • Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes and enhance employee experience.
  • Assist with project work such as system upgrades, process automation, and policy reviews.

About You

  • Proven experience in a senior payroll position, ideally within a large or complex organisation.
  • Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation and statutory reporting.
  • Experience managing escalated payroll queries and working to tight deadlines.
  • Knowledge of reward and benefits processes is highly desirable.
  • Excellent attention to detail, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
  • Confident using HRIS and payroll systems, with strong Excel capability.

What’s on Offer

  • Competitive salary and benefits package.
  • Hybrid working model (2–3 days in the Edinburgh office).
  • Opportunity to contribute to wider reward and project initiatives.
  • A collaborative, supportive HR team where your expertise will make real impact.
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Senior Payroll and Reward Advisor employer: Anderson Knight

Join a leading organisation in Edinburgh as a Senior Payroll and Reward Advisor, where you will thrive in a collaborative and supportive HR team dedicated to enhancing employee experience. With a competitive salary, a hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional growth, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact on payroll processes and reward initiatives within a dynamic environment. Embrace the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects while ensuring compliance and accuracy in payroll management.

Anderson Knight

Contact Details:

Anderson Knight Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Payroll and Reward Advisor

Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

Make Your Presence Known

Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Anderson Knight!

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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Anderson Knight.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Payroll and Reward Advisor

Payroll Management
Compliance with HMRC
Process Improvement
Employee Experience Enhancement
Escalated Query Resolution
Statutory Reporting
Data Analysis and Reporting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Anderson Knight. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Anderson Knight and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Anderson Knight. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Anderson Knight's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at Anderson Knight

Brush Up on HR Best Practices

As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Anderson Knight.

Know Your Recruitment Tools

Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!

Highlight Your People Skills

A full-time HR role at Anderson Knight will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

Stay Current with HR Trends

Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Anderson Knight and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.