Senior Payroll Officer in Southampton

Senior Payroll Officer in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 35000 - 45000 € / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Eden Scott

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage payroll processes for 1,000 employees and ensure compliance with legislation.
  • Company: Join a respected organisation in Edinburgh with a dynamic work culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career advancement in a fast-paced environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in payroll management while collaborating with HR and Finance teams.
  • Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and strong understanding of compliance requirements.

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

Eden Scott Accountancy & Finance Division is delighted to be partnering with a highly respected organisation in Edinburgh to recruit an experienced Senior Payroll Officer on a full-time, permanent and hybrid basis. This is a fantastic opportunity for a payroll professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, enjoys ownership of end‑to‑end processes, and is confident managing both payroll and reward activities.

You’ll play a key role in delivering accurate, compliant payrolls while supporting the wider HR and Finance teams with reward, benefits and governance. This role offers variety, responsibility and the chance to make a real impact within a well‑established organisation.

Key responsibilities:
  • Deliver 4 monthly UK payrolls + 2 global monthly payrolls accurately for c.1k employees, on time and in line with legislation, service levels and corporate governance standards
  • Oversee all payroll processing including salaries, bonuses, pensions, deductions and reporting
  • Ensure full compliance with HMRC regulations, employment law and internal controls
  • Regularly audit payroll data to identify, investigate and resolve discrepancies
  • Liaise closely with HR and Finance to coordinate employee data, reporting and process alignment
  • Manage pension contributions, statutory payments (SMP, SSP etc.) and employee benefits
  • Lead all year‑end activities including P60s and P11Ds
  • Keep up to date with payroll legislation and best practice, ensuring changes are implemented effectively
  • Work collaboratively with HR and Finance to ensure reward initiatives are accurate, integrated and cost‑effective
  • Manage monthly processes to maintain reward and benefit accuracy
  • Support the annual renewal cycle and supplier tenders alongside the Head of HR
  • Manage reward‑related communications to ensure clarity, transparency and employee engagement
  • Monitor legal and regulatory developments affecting compensation and benefits, advising the Head of HR on key updates
What we’re looking for:
  • Eligibility to obtain a Counter Terrorist Check (must have lived in the UK for the last 3 consecutive years)
  • Strong understanding of current payroll legislation, compliance requirements and technical controls
  • Strong experience within a similar payroll position
  • Proven experience managing all compliance aspects of payroll including NMW, auto‑enrolment and year‑end processes
  • Knowledge of reward management and salary sacrifice schemes (desirable)
  • Excellent attention to detail, strong interpersonal skills and confident communication

If you’re interested in this opportunity or are keen to find out more, please submit your CV to Emma O'Connor at Eden Scott.

Senior Payroll Officer in Southampton employer: Eden Scott

Eden Scott is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Edinburgh where payroll professionals can thrive. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company fosters a collaborative culture that values accuracy and compliance while providing opportunities to make a significant impact within a well-established organisation. The hybrid working model and commitment to employee engagement ensure that you can balance your professional responsibilities with personal well-being.

Eden Scott

Contact Detail:

Eden Scott Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Payroll Officer in Southampton

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, sometimes it’s not just about what you know, but who you know!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their payroll processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want you to shine, so practice common interview questions and have your own questions ready!

Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your achievements in payroll management, compliance, and any reward initiatives you've led. This will give you an edge and demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of a Senior Payroll Officer.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that dream job together!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Payroll Officer in Southampton

Payroll Processing
Compliance with HMRC Regulations
Understanding of Employment Law
Data Auditing
Interpersonal Skills
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Payroll Officer role. Highlight your payroll expertise, compliance knowledge, and any relevant achievements to grab our attention!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed payroll processes and contributed to team success in the past.

Showcase Your Attention to Detail:In payroll, accuracy is key! When writing your application, double-check for typos and ensure all information is correct. This will demonstrate your meticulous nature and commitment to delivering high-quality work.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with us at Eden Scott!

How to prepare for a job interview at Eden Scott

Know Your Payroll Legislation

Make sure you brush up on current payroll legislation and compliance requirements before the interview. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they impact payroll processing will show that you're not just experienced, but also proactive about staying informed.

Showcase Your Attention to Detail

Prepare examples from your past roles where your attention to detail made a significant difference in payroll accuracy. This could be about resolving discrepancies or ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations. Concrete examples will help demonstrate your skills effectively.

Understand the Bigger Picture

Familiarise yourself with how payroll interacts with HR and Finance. Be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with these teams in the past, especially regarding reward initiatives and employee benefits. This shows you understand the role's impact beyond just numbers.

Ask Insightful Questions

Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's payroll processes, challenges they face, or their approach to compliance. This not only shows your interest in the role but also your strategic thinking and eagerness to contribute to their success.