Payroll Specialist Lead (6 Months FTC)

About us

Since launching in 2018, DNA Payments has become one of the UK’s largest independent, fully integrated omnichannel payments providers. We enable businesses of all sizes to seamlessly accept payments, from cutting-edge POS systems to powerful payment gateway, ecommerce and in-app solutions. Recognised by Beauhurst as one of the UK’s top 50 fintech innovators, we’re reshaping the payments landscape with technology that makes transactions simpler, faster, and more secure. Backed by £100 million in Private Equity funding from Alchemy, we process £1.2+ billion in payments every month for over 60,000 merchants across the UK and Europe. With a growing team of 375 specialists operating from our London HQ and regional offices in Hull, Nottingham, and Kazakhstan, we’re scaling rapidly. Join us on our journey to redefine the future of payments.

Role Summary

As part of our People function, we are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll and People Specialist Lead to lead the delivery of accurate and timely payroll within our business. This is a standalone role but with the support of the HR team, you will be the go-to expert for payroll and benefits matters, ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations while also supporting employees with pay-related queries in a clear and professional manner. This is both a technical and people-focused role, requiring excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Reporting to: Head of HR
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working location: London or Hull office. Opportunity to move to hybrid after passing probation.
Salary: circa £45,000 pro rata pa

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process for all employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with UK legislation.
• Oversee the preparation, calculation, and distribution of monthly salaries, overtime, bonuses, pensions, and other benefits.
• Partner with benefits providers to manage benefit-related payroll processes, supporting a smooth employee experience and effective cost management.
• Responsible for timely and engaged communications with employees on all payroll related matters including benefits and incentives.
• Ensure compliance with PAYE, NI, pension auto-enrolment, and statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP, SAP).
• Act as the primary contact with HMRC and external auditors regarding payroll matters.
• Maintain payroll systems and ensure data integrity and security.
• Prepare and submit RTI (Real Time Information) and year-end returns (P60, P11D, P45, Gender Pay Gap report).
• Along with monthly management of P11D benefits and producing accurate payroll reports and analysis for Finance and HR.
• Manage relationships with payroll software providers and ensure systems remain fit-for-purpose.
• Engage directly with employees to resolve payroll queries, ensuring clear communication and excellent customer service.
• Strong knowledge of salary sacrifices schemes and implementation of pension salary sacrifice and similar programmes.
• Manage and create the People Monthly MI and Quarterly MI packs for the Head of HR and People Director, providing real time recommendations.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience managing payroll in the UK, ideally in a fintech environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, and pension regulations.
• Experience with Payfit payroll system and in-depth knowledge of other payroll systems.
• Experience of managing and implementing incentives programmes.
• A proven track record of customer centricity – managing employee queries with professionalism, empathy, and discretion.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent numeracy skills and strong attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and other payroll/HR reporting tools.
• Professional payroll qualification (e.g., CIPP) desirable.
• Knowledge of grievance, disciplinary and investigation procedures.

What’s in it for you?

• 25 days holiday per year
• Private Medical
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to self-learning platform - Bookboon
• Income Protection
• Workplace Pension
• Employee Assistance Programme

At DNA Payments, we believe that diversity drives innovation and inclusion fosters creativity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We celebrate and promote an inclusive environment where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered. Join us in creating a workplace that reflects the diverse world and customers we serve. Should you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the interview process, please let us know by emailing HR@dnapaymentsgroup.com.