At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage end-to-end payroll processes and resolve complex queries with confidence.
- Company: Join a leading pet insurance company with a focus on accuracy and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and remote work flexibility.
- Why this job: Be the go-to expert in payroll and make a real difference in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong UK payroll expertise and excellent analytical skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous improvement and career growth in a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
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
Senior Payroll Specialist - United Kingdom, Remote in London employer: Animal Friends
Contact Detail:
Animal Friends Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Payroll Specialist - United Kingdom, Remote in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Senior Payroll Specialist role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK payroll laws and compliance. We want you to be the go-to expert, so practice explaining complex payroll matters clearly. This will show potential employers that you’re confident and ready to tackle any challenge.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills! When discussing your experience, highlight specific examples where you’ve improved payroll processes or resolved complex queries. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and attention to detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our mission of getting payroll right every time.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Payroll Specialist - United Kingdom, Remote in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Senior Payroll Specialist role. Highlight your expertise in managing outsourced payroll providers and your strong UK payroll knowledge to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've tackled complex payroll scenarios and improved processes in your previous roles.
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since accuracy is key in payroll, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. A well-organised and polished application will demonstrate your attention to detail right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Animal Friends
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your UK payroll knowledge, especially around tax, PAYE, and pensions. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios you've handled in the past, as this will show your expertise and confidence in managing complex payroll situations.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical abilities, particularly with Excel. Bring examples of how you've used data to solve payroll issues or improve processes. This will highlight your proactive approach and attention to detail, which are crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex payroll concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to clarify a tricky payroll issue during the interview, so being able to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels is key. Think about how you can make complicated topics accessible.
✨Be Ready to Challenge Processes
The company values a questioning mindset, so come prepared with ideas on how payroll processes could be improved. Think about any inefficiencies you've encountered in previous roles and how you would address them. This shows you're not just a follower but a proactive problem-solver.