At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll processing and ensure accuracy for Heavy Haul Rail Ltd.
- Company: Join a leading company in the rail industry with a focus on employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, pension scheme, enhanced parental leave, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital team ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years payroll experience, strong Excel skills, and customer service focus.
We are seeking a Payroll Analyst with strong payroll administration experience to process the 4‑weekly payroll for Heavy Haul Rail Ltd. The role requires a high level of attention to detail, strong analytical skills, and a customer‑focused approach.
Role responsibilities
- End‑to‑end preparation and processing of the 4‑weekly (lunar) UK payroll
- Perform detailed payroll reconciliations, identifying and resolving discrepancies to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Manage all aspects of the employee lifecycle, including starters, leavers, and changes to pay or benefits
- Process payroll inputs including payments, deductions, statutory payments, and adjustments
- Deliver a high standard of customer service by responding to payroll queries in a professional, timely, and empathetic manner
- Produce and analyse payroll data using Excel, including reconciliations, reports, and audit support
- Process year‑end activities including P60s and P11Ds
- Compile and support internal and external audit requests, ensuring accuracy and completeness of data
- Maintain accurate records in HRIS (Workday) and ensure all payroll‑related data is up to date
- Communicate effectively with employees and stakeholders to obtain required payroll inputs and approvals
- Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation and keep up to date with regulatory changes
- Responsible for running the BACs where required
Experience & Skills
- 3–5 years’ experience within a payroll function
- Strong Excel skills (including data analysis, reconciliations, lookups, and reporting)
- Proven experience performing payroll reconciliations and resolving discrepancies
- Experience working with Workday (preferred)
- Knowledge of P11D processing (preferred)
- Solid understanding of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements
- Aware of Sarbanes‑Oxley (SOX) controls and processes (preferred)
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills
- Strong customer service ethic with the ability to communicate clearly and professionally
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
Benefits
Competitive pay, final‑salary pension scheme after an initial qualifying period, enhanced maternity & paternity pay, opportunities for ongoing training and development, access to the company’s life assurance scheme and various other benefits.
This post is subject to standard pre‑employment checks including employment references, medical & D&A screening, and successful DBS background checks.
Payroll Analyst in Birmingham employer: Freightliner Group Ltd
Heavy Haul Rail Ltd is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive pay structure, a final-salary pension scheme, and enhanced family leave policies, we foster a supportive work culture that values attention to detail and customer service. Our commitment to ongoing training and development ensures that our Payroll Analysts can thrive in their roles while contributing to the success of our organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Analyst in Birmingham
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Freightliner Group Ltd. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Analyst in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Freightliner Group Ltd.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Freightliner Group Ltd's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freightliner Group Ltd
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Freightliner Group Ltd.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Freightliner Group Ltd will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Freightliner Group Ltd employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
