Finance Business Systems Analyst (Payroll) - 12 Month Fixed-Term in London

Finance Business Systems Analyst (Payroll) - 12 Month Fixed-Term in London

London Temporary 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Arup

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join our team to analyse and improve payroll systems and processes.
  • Company: Arup, a global leader in finance transformation with a focus on collaboration.
  • Benefits: Competitive pay, health benefits, flexible working, and career growth opportunities.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace that values your unique contributions.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on payroll systems while working in a dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in payroll analysis and strong documentation skills required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

We are seeking a Payroll Business Analyst on a 12 month fixed term basis to join our Finance Business Services PMO in London (Hybrid) supporting a global finance transformation programme. This role will play a key part in delivering strategic change initiatives across payroll systems, processes and ways of working, contributing to the wider global finance strategy.

Working closely with Project Managers, Payroll SMEs and transformation leads, you will provide hands‑on business analysis to support payroll‑related change initiatives. You will ensure requirements are clearly defined, testable and aligned to agreed delivery standards.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Capturing and documenting end‑to‑end payroll processes (current and future state)
  • Eliciting and translating business requirements into clear documentation (process maps, user stories, acceptance criteria)
  • Identifying process improvements, risks and dependencies
  • Supporting payroll system and integration requirements across HR and Finance platforms
  • Conducting data analysis, migration support, reconciliation and validation activities
  • Preparing and supporting testing, including UAT coordination and defect tracking
  • Maintaining requirements traceability and supporting governance standards
  • Facilitating workshops and collaborating with global stakeholders
  • Contributing to payroll process optimisation and system enhancements as part of ongoing transformation initiatives

You will also support wider programme delivery activities, including reporting, stakeholder communications, training support and workshop facilitation.

Is This Role Right for You?

You will bring strong Business Analysis experience within payroll environments, alongside a practical understanding of end‑to‑end payroll processes and statutory requirements. You are comfortable working in fast‑paced project environments and collaborating across global teams.

Proven Business Analyst experience within payroll includes:

  • Strong documentation skills across requirements, process mapping and testing artefacts
  • Experience supporting project delivery within governance frameworks
  • Ability to analyse payroll and financial data for validation and reconciliation
  • Knowledge of payroll integration with finance systems (e.g. GL, banking, treasury)
  • Strong stakeholder engagement and workshop facilitation skills
  • Experience in large‑scale or global transformation programmes
  • Exposure to multi‑country payroll environments
  • Familiarity with BA tools and vendor‑led system implementations

What We Offer You

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together. Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling members to share in the results of our collective efforts. We also provide private medical insurance, life assurance, accident insurance and income protection cover. In addition, you’ll have access to flexible benefits to help you look after all aspects of your wellbeing and give you the freedom and flexibility to find the best solutions for you, your family, and your individual needs.

Different People, Shared Values

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence. Guided by our values and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, we create and contribute to equitable spaces and systems, while cultivating a sense of belonging for all. Our internal employee networks support our inclusive culture: from race, ethnicity and cross‑cultural working to gender equity and LGBTQ+ and disability inclusion – we aim to create a space for you to express yourself and make a positive difference.

Finance Business Systems Analyst (Payroll) - 12 Month Fixed-Term in London employer: Arup

At Arup, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. Our London-based team enjoys a hybrid working model, competitive pay, and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and profit sharing, ensuring that every member can thrive while contributing to meaningful global projects. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, creating an environment where all voices are heard and valued, making Arup not just a workplace, but a community dedicated to making a positive impact.

Arup

Contact Details:

Arup Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Finance Business Systems Analyst (Payroll) - 12 Month Fixed-Term in London

Join Financial Networking Events

Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.

Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance

Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Arup.

Connect with Alumni from Your Uni

Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.

Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Arup might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!

We think you need these skills to ace Finance Business Systems Analyst (Payroll) - 12 Month Fixed-Term in London

Business Analysis
Payroll Processes
Documentation Skills
Process Mapping
Testing Artefacts
Project Delivery
Governance Frameworks

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!

Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Arup will be keen to see in your application.

Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Arup. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!

Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Arup confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Arup

Brush Up on Financial Regulations

Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Arup.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.

Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability

For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Arup that you’re a reliable team player.

Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn

In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.