Payroll Consultant in Edinburgh

We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide. For 90 years we have shaped brighter futures through education, arts, culture, language, and creativity. Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries.

Role Purpose

The Payroll Consultant is responsible for delivering and monitoring efficient, accurate and compliant payroll operations across the region, ensuring that all payroll processes are executed to a high standard and in line with statutory requirements. You will manage day‑to‑day payroll activities, maintain high‑quality payroll data and employee records, and ensure seamless integration between payroll systems, MyHR data and external providers.

Working in close partnership with internal stakeholders, the managed service provider and external payroll vendors, you will support end‑to‑end payroll delivery across multiple countries, including both outsourced and in‑house processes. The role requires a strong focus on accuracy, compliance and continuous improvement, alongside in‑depth knowledge of payroll processes, employment legislation and HMRC regulations, contributing to the delivery of high‑quality People function services.

Role Accountabilities

You will deliver accurate, timely and compliant payroll operations, including processing salaries, allowances, deductions and statutory payments, validating payroll data, reconciling reports and ensuring all payroll outputs meet required standards. You will manage payroll changes, support pre‑ and post‑payroll activities, administer employee benefits and statutory processes, and ensure all documentation, controls and approvals are in place, maintaining audit‑ready records and ensuring compliance with legislation and internal policies.

You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to resolve payroll queries, manage complex cases and maintain effective communication and coordination across stakeholders. You will drive continuous improvement by identifying process inefficiencies, supporting automation and system enhancements, contributing to knowledge management and standard operating procedures, and ensuring high‑quality service delivery through strong collaboration, reporting and proactive risk management.

Qualifications

Desirable: Certified Payroll Qualification (e.g. CIPP or equivalent) preferred.

Requirements

Essential:

• Extensive UK payroll knowledge with experience in a high‑volume payroll environment.
• Strong understanding of HMRC regulations including PAYE, National Insurance and Real Time Information processing.
• Experience delivering payroll operations, processes and practices.
• Knowledge of UK employment legislation related to payroll.
• Experience supporting payroll activities for international assignees.
• Proficiency in Excel with strong numeracy and analytical skills.
• High attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Strong customer service skills and ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Written and verbal proficiency in English is required, as British Council systems and global processes operate in English.

Desirable:

• Experience working with outsourced payroll vendors.
• Knowledge of payroll automation and process improvement.
• Experience of multi‑country payroll operations.
• Experience working with SAP SuccessFactors.
• Experience in HR operations or shared service environments.

Important Information

Contract type: Indefinite Contract
Pay band: 6/G
Salary range: 25,250 - 28,470 per annum (Plus an additional 3,300 per annum London Market Allowance if you are based in the London area only)
Working Model: Hybrid
Location: London, Edinburgh, Cardiff or Belfast

Proof of Identity requirements & right to work in the country: Applicants must have the legal right to work in the stated location. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not provided.

A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community as we believe that a diverse workforce gives added depth to our work. The British Council is a Disability Confident Employer. The Disability Confident scheme helps challenge attitudes, increase understanding of disability and ensure staff are drawn from the widest possible pool of talent. We guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the minimum role requirements. We welcome discussions about specific requirements or adjustments to enable participation and engagement in our work and activities.

Safeguarding Statement

The British Council is committed to safeguarding children, young people and adults who we work with. We believe that all children and adults everywhere in the world deserve to live in safe environments and have the right to be protected from all forms of abuse, maltreatment and exploitation as set out in article 19, UNCRC (United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child) 1989. Appointment to positions where there is direct involvement with vulnerable groups will be dependent on thorough checks being completed in line with legal requirements and with the British Council’s Safeguarding policies for Adults and Children.

If you experience any difficulties with submitting your application, please email askhr@britishcouncil.org

Posted Date: Sep 08, 2026
Department: Human Resources