At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll for 150 employees and improve processes within the People & Culture team.
- Company: Award-winning online retailer with a mission to enhance home design.
- Benefits: Salary up to £35k, flexible hours, 25 days leave, and remote work support.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on payroll processes.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years payroll experience and knowledge of UK payroll legislation.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 35000 £ per year.
Beyond Retail is an award-winning multi-website online retailer offering bathroom, kitchen and heating products to Britain’s homeowners and tradespeople. Over 8 million people visit our websites each year, and we’re on a mission to help create well-designed homes that look great, feel special, and positively impact people's everyday lives.
We’re almost 15 years old, and in that time, we’ve accelerated from zero to £50m/year revenue, won local and national awards, and grown to 150-plus people. Our three websites - Drench, Tap Warehouse and Toasty - are growing from strength to strength, and we’re looking for a Payroll Specialist who will sit within our People & Culture Teamand help us to continue our growth journey.
As our dedicatedPayroll Specialist, you'll own and deliver an accurate, controlled, and fully explainable monthly payroll process. You'll be responsible for providing outputs that are financially accurate, reconciled, and suitable for Finance review and sign-off. Outside of the main Payroll timetable, you’ll be an integral part of the People & Culture team, assisting with administration and case load as capacity allows. This means you’ll be able to act as a true bridge between the P&C and Finance teams, ensuring an efficient and informed payroll process.
You’ll also work alongside the Head of P&C and the Financial Controller to review and make recommendations for payroll software, giving you the opportunity to have real ownership of this project and make process improvements to make your payroll process as efficient as possible.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage full monthly payroll cycle (~150 employees)
- Ensure accuracy and approvals of all inputs
- Reconcile payroll to GL, HMRC, pensions
- Produce a monthly payroll reporting pack that includes summary, variances and supporting explanation/commentary
- Be the first point of contact for payroll queries
- Make recommendations for process improvements
- Outside of the payroll timetable, as part of the P&C Team you will:
- Assist on related admin tasks such as producing letters and keeping the HRIS up to date.
- Resolve employee queries, and provide support to managers on basic HR queries
- Support the P&C Team with ER caseload
- As capacity allows, assist with project-work across the wider P&C agenda e.g. staff engagement initiatives
Key Skills
- CIPP Level 3 (Payroll Technician Certificate) or equivalent qualification (desirable)
- 2–3 years of hands‑on payroll experience, ideally within a medium‑size organisation preferably in house (100+ employees) and ideally within an HR/People Team
- Experience using any modern payroll software — knowledge of BrightPay is advantageous.
- Comfortable utilising an HRIS (experience with HiBob advantageous)
- Solid knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, NI, pensions, and statutory payments.
- Experience gained within or alongside an HR/People team and an understanding of employment law and HR tasks
- Excellent numerical skills with exceptional attention to detail.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage strict monthly payroll deadlines.
- Confident using Google Drive and Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel for reporting, reconciliations, and data management.
- Professional, discreet, and empathetic when handling sensitive information.
- Strong communication and problem‑solving skills
What we can offer you
- Salary up to £35k DOE
- 25 days annual leave, increasing with service and ability to buy/sell up to 5 days
- Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
- Up to 3 paid volunteering days per year
- Flexible working hours — we work 40 hours per week, typically starting and finishing between 8 am and 6:30 pm Monday to Friday
- All the tech you need + £500 remote working budget for setting up your home office
- A fantastic office pace with free on‑site gym, or the flexibility to work at home
- Team and company‑wide social events
- No corporate dress code
Our Values
Our ten core principles shape everything we do. These inform the foundations of our relationships with customers and each other, but they also shape how we measure and reward our colleagues' performance. Simply put, success is not about who you are or how loud you shout, but about the impact you make and what you do. We encourage doing rather than dreaming – if you have an idea, speak up, and we will listen! Everyone’s opinion matters, and any suggestions are welcome.
Our Diversity
We aim to foster a culture where individuals of all backgrounds feel confident bringing their whole selves to work, feel included, and have their talents nurtured, empowering them to contribute fully to our vision and goals.
Work is not a place; it is what you do...
We believe the future of work is about flexibility. Not everyone does their best work in an office, and not everyone wants to work exclusively from home. Our employees can work flexibly, either from home or in our office. To demonstrate our commitment to this, we have a fantastic Home Working Support Scheme! We want to ensure that those who do choose to work from home can still work in the best possible environment and are not left out of pocket. As well as providing tech, we offer up to £500 allowance to kit out your home work space.
Payroll Specialist employer: Beyond Retail (UK)
Beyond Retail (UK) is an excellent employer that prioritises a supportive and flexible work culture, making it an ideal place for Customer Experience Specialists. With the option to work remotely or in-office, employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance, generous annual leave, and a collaborative environment that fosters personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Specialist
✨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 Beyond Retail (UK)!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
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 Beyond Retail (UK).
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Specialist
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 Beyond Retail (UK). 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 Beyond Retail (UK) 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 Beyond Retail (UK). List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Beyond Retail (UK)'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 Beyond Retail (UK)
✨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 Beyond Retail (UK).
✨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 Beyond Retail (UK) 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 Beyond Retail (UK) and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
