Payroll Implementation Specialist in Macclesfield

Our Story In July 2019, Fourth joined forces with HotSchedules to become the global leader in end-to-end restaurant and hospitality management technology solutions. Together, the merged company now represents the world’s largest and only provider of end-to-end restaurant and hospitality management solutions for customers across the globe and of all sizes, from a single location or franchisee restaurant to a global restaurant or hotel chain. The combined company’s complete software-as-service (SaaS) solution suite including scheduling, time & attendance, applicant tracking, training, inventory management / procurement, HR / benefits and payroll services now serves customers in 120,000 locations worldwide and is supported by a dedicated, unified team across offices in the US, UK, Bulgaria, China, Australia, and UAE.

Position Overview The Payroll Implementation Specialist onboards new payroll and pension customers onto Fourth's platform, taking each one from initial data load and configuration through to live payroll processing and a smooth handover to the Payroll Bureau. The role also supports existing customers through significant payroll events such as new PAYE registrations, pension changes, or TUPE transfers.

You will bring strong UK payroll knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and a customer-first mindset — building trusted relationships and setting the tone for a long, successful partnership between Fourth and its customers.

Primary Responsibilities

• Implementation & Configuration — Own onboarding for new payroll customers, conducting discovery to understand pay frequencies, employee populations, and requirements. Configure PAYE, pay elements, pension schemes, deduction structures, and tax balances in line with UK payroll legislation. Manage accurate data loads, parallel runs, and system exports.
• Payroll & Pension Processing — Process a minimum of two live payrolls per new customer, validating outputs and resolving discrepancies before handover. Administer pensions and ensure RTI accuracy, including FPS/EPS submissions, rollbacks, and EYU where required.
• Reconciliation & Compliance — Reconcile payroll and pension data (tax, opt-ins/outs), resolve HMRC queries, and escalate configuration gaps, data quality issues, or compliance risks.
• Documentation & Handover — Maintain clear, up-to-date documentation for each customer — payroll calendars, configuration records, processing guides, and procedure manuals — and manage structured handovers to the Payroll Bureau.
• Existing Customer Support — Support customers through significant payroll changes such as new PAYE schemes or TUPE transfers, acting as subject matter expert for configuration queries.
• Customer Engagement & Collaboration — Build strong client relationships and deliver service aligned with SLAs. Work closely with Project Management, Solution Consulting, and Customer Success to ensure seamless transitions, and contribute to ongoing process and documentation improvements.

Key Skills and Competencies

• Demonstrable UK payroll experience, with strong knowledge of PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, and payroll/pension compliance.
• Experience implementing or configuring payroll software is beneficial, ideally within a SaaS or technology-led environment.
• High accuracy and attention to detail, particularly with data loads, configuration, and numerical validation.
• Able to manage multiple implementations simultaneously, prioritising effectively to meet deadlines.
• Confident, customer-focused communicator who can translate technical payroll concepts for stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong documentation skills and a logical, detail-oriented approach to problem-solving.
• Self-motivated and autonomous, with the ability to own the implementation journey end-to-end.
• Collaborative, adaptable team player committed to an excellent customer experience.
• Familiarity with TUPE regulations and their payroll implications is desirable.

Preferred Experience and/or Qualifications

• Previous experience in a payroll implementation, payroll specialist, or bureau payroll role.
• Knowledge of Fourth's payroll solutions or comparable payroll platforms.
• CIPP qualification, or working towards one.
• Experience supporting customers through TUPE transfers or payroll restructuring events.

Benefits

• 25 basic holidays with the option to grow up to 30 with service + your birthday off + bank holidays!
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working environments.
• Wellness activities and pampering included, with gym subscription discounts.
• Laptop and equipment provided.
• Healthcare expense claim tools.
• Annual meet ups.
• Enhanced parenting scheme.
• Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan provided.
• Pension and life insurance options available.
• On demand pay tools for early salary access.

Fourth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without discrimination because of sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, race, colour, age, national origin, military status, religion, or disability or any other legally protected status.