Senior Payroll Specialist

For us, payroll isn’t just about getting people paid — it’s about getting it right, every time, in a complex and fast-moving business. We’re looking for a Senior Payroll Specialist who brings a questioning mindset, thrives on detail, and isn’t afraid to challenge processes to take ownership of accuracy, compliance and continuous improvement for payroll across the Animal Friends and Pinnacle Pet Group (PPG) businesses. If you enjoy untangling complex payroll queries, working closely with third-party providers, and being the person others turn to for confident, informed answers — this role is for you.

You’ll manage the end-to-end payroll process for all Animal Friends & PPG colleagues, ensuring payroll is delivered accurately, on time and fully compliant with UK statutory requirements. You’ll be a trusted subject‑matter expert, partnering with People, Finance and external providers to navigate complex payroll and pension matters across the business.

What we look for in you as a Senior Payroll Specialist:

• Experience managing outsourced payroll providers and complex payroll scenarios
• Strong UK payroll expertise with in-depth knowledge of tax, PAYE, pensions and statutory compliance
• A proactive work approach, excellent attention to detail and being comfortable working independently within a remote environment
• A confident communicator, able to explain complex payroll matters clearly to stakeholders at all levels and challenge when necessary
• Strong analytical and Excel skills

What you’ll get up to as a Senior Payroll Specialist:

• Own and manage the end‑to‑end payroll process, working closely with our outsourced payroll provider to deliver accurate, timely payroll every cycle
• Lead pension administration, statutory reporting and year‑end payroll activities, ensuring full compliance with PAYE and regulatory requirements
• Act as the payroll subject‑matter expert, resolving complex queries and supporting Finance, Reward and People teams
• Maintain strong payroll governance through reconciliations, audits and robust controls
• Drive continuous improvement across payroll, pensions and benefits processes, including supporting related projects

What you can expect from us:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and we give you your birthday off
• Fully paid day off for charity work
• 95% of our employee’s own pets, we’re able to provide up to 50% off insurance along with free access to our Vet consultation app JOII
• We believe looking after employees’ health is important, so we offer discount on gym membership, access to a Wellbeing hub
• We like to celebrate success and recognise excellent employee performance; we will donate £3k to the charity of our employee of the quarter’s choice
• Most importantly, you`ll be working within a courageous, passionate and kind‑hearted team

Why choose Animal Friends:

Animal Friends has been supporting UK pet owners for more than 25 years with our comprehensive and meaningful pet insurance. We are not only an award‑winning business but one of the largest pet insurance providers in the UK. We understand that our success is only possible because of how we work together, which is why our company values of being courageous, kind‑hearted and passionate are the heart of what we do – and we simply wouldn’t be who we are today without our colleagues, who embody these values every day. We are part of the Pinnacle Pet Group (PPG) – a pan European fully integrated pet insurance and pet health services provider. On a mission to help pets live happy, healthy lives with their pet parents, PPG are committed to supporting the diverse needs of their customers and colleagues with a clear ambition to become the world leader in pet insurance and healthcare services.

Our recruitment process:

As an FCA regulated business, we require successful applicants to clear our pre‑employment screening process which includes a credit check, and references checks. Under the latest UK Right to Work regulations, we will require successful applicants to evidence their right to work in the UK, either in person, online, or digitally via a third party subject to circumstances. Please be aware this advert will remain open until the vacancy has been filled rather than the advertised closing date. Interviews will take place throughout this period; therefore, we encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment.