Payroll Analyst

Payroll Analyst

Temporary 35000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Disney

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage UK payroll processes and ensure accurate employee remuneration.
  • Company: Join the iconic Walt Disney Company in a dynamic team.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and exclusive discounts.
  • Other info: Join diverse Employee Resource Groups and contribute to an inclusive culture.
  • Why this job: Be part of a creative environment while advancing your payroll career.
  • Qualifications: Strong payroll knowledge and experience in a fast-paced environment.

The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.

We are looking for a Payroll Analyst to join our team in London on a 12‑month fixed‑term contract. As a Payroll Analyst, you will oversee and ensure the accurate processing of all UK payroll related issues, making sure employees receive correct remuneration on published pay dates and that the company meets contractual obligations.

Responsibilities

  • Support the Payroll Manager in the effective running of UK payroll.
  • Act as an escalation point for Payroll Specialists in the UK payroll team, part of the centralised payroll HUB for the EMEA region.
  • Serve as technical point of contact for SAP issues and new requests across UK payroll entities.
  • Process UK SAP payroll, ensuring correct remuneration.
  • Coordinate with Payroll Specialists to ensure all SAP inputs loaded prior to processing.
  • Ensure payroll activity posted into SAP GL and post‑payroll activities completed timely.
  • Escalate SAP queries to SAP partner, raise management requests, and complete required testing.
  • Finalize and produce BACS for all UK monthly payrolls at post‑exit stage.
  • Approve monthly, quarterly, annual and other periodic reports to management, local authorities and other recipients.
  • Resolve payroll queries from employees and stakeholders professionally and promptly; escalating where appropriate.
  • Perform manual calculations for part‑month and back‑dated payments.
  • Calculate and pay statutory payments (SMP, SSP, SPP, SAP) in line with HMRC regulations and company policy.
  • Calculate and check manual payments to ensure correct accounting.
  • Analyse variance reports, providing reasons for all variances above the material limit.

Qualifications

  • Strong knowledge of payroll legislation and payroll journal understanding.
  • Experience in an in‑house payroll environment.
  • Experience with internal/external audits desirable.
  • General understanding of Workday desirable.
  • Ability to build solid relationships with stakeholders and excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Excellent time management, prioritisation skills, and ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.
  • High attention to detail, good analytical and numeracy skills.
  • Part Payroll qualification preferred but not essential.
  • Desire to further career in payroll.

Benefits

  • 25 days annual leave.
  • Private medical insurance & dental care.
  • Free park entry for you and family/friends.
  • Discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The Walt Disney Company Limited is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, colour, religion or belief, sex, nationality, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, disability or pregnancy or maternity. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

Payroll Analyst employer: Disney

The Walt Disney Company is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in London that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With benefits such as private medical insurance, generous annual leave, and unique discounts on Disney products, employees are supported both personally and professionally. The company fosters an inclusive environment through various Employee Resource Groups, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued, making it a truly rewarding place to build a career in payroll.

Disney

Contact Details:

Disney Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Payroll Analyst

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 Disney.

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 Disney 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 Payroll Analyst

Payroll Processing
SAP
UK Payroll Legislation
Analytical Skills
Attention to Detail
Interpersonal Skills
Time Management

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 Disney 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 Disney. 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 Disney confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Disney

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 Disney.

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 Disney 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.