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- Tasks: Manage UK payroll processes and ensure accuracy in payments and compliance.
- Company: Leading defence engineering firm known for innovation and excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to work on impactful projects.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and play a key role in payroll excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK payroll operations and strong Excel skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and collaboration with various teams.
Job Title: Senior Payroll Specialist FTC
Find out more about the daily tasks, overall responsibilities, and required experience for this opportunity by scrolling down now.
Location: Havant –
Salary: £56,000 – We are booking interviews next week! Please call or email for a slot
Length: Up until 31st October 2026
Are you a meticulous Senior Payroll Specialist with a passion for precision and excellence? Are you ready to play a pivotal role in ensuring top-tier standards in a well-established engineering organization? Look no further! We invite you to join our team and be a key driver of engineering excellence.
About Us:
As a distinguished leader in the defence engineering industry, we are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and pioneering projects. Our commitment to excellence has earned us a strong reputation, and we\’re looking for a talented Senior Payroll Specialist to contribute to our continued success.
The Role:
So, what will you be doing as a Senior Payroll Specialist?
Oversee and support accurate, timely processing of in-house UK payrolls (Oracle-based).
Validate payroll inputs including starters, leavers, statutory payments (SMP, SSP, SPP, etc.), pensions, tax, NI, and pay adjustments.
Conduct secondary reviews, providing guidance to junior colleagues.
Manage off-cycle and arrears payments in line with payroll calendars.
Handle complex payroll queries, including manual gross-to-net calculations and HMRC interactions.
Lead year-end activities such as P60s, P11Ds, and PAYE Settlement Agreements.
Ensure audit readiness and maintain accurate payroll records in line with legal requirements.
Collaborate with HR, Finance, and external providers (e.g., pension schemes).
Contribute to payroll reporting, training, process improvement initiatives, the UK Payroll Scorecard, and stock vesting activities.
Support implementation of SAP SuccessFactors and Employee Central Payroll (ECP).
Assist with testing (script development, end-to-end runs, defect logging, and resolution).
Validate conversion data and conduct pay comparisons during migration.
Operate Payroll Control Centre (PCC) to execute runs, validate master data, and resolve errors.
Partner with consultants to align configuration with business requirements.
Develop training materials and deliver demonstrations to stakeholders.
What are we looking for in our next Senior Payroll Specialist?
Strong background in full-cycle, insourced UK payroll operations.
Hands-on expertise with SAP SuccessFactors and Employee Central Payroll (ECP).
Knowledge of Payroll Control Centre (PCC) operations.
Deep understanding of UK payroll legislation and statutory payments.
Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables).
Strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to mentor and guide others.
Excellent organisational skills: able to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
Confident in presenting to stakeholders and delivering payroll training.
Experience working with Oracle payroll systeMy client is keen to get this position filled ASAP, so if you feel you have the skills and desire to provide passion and drive as the next Senior Payroll Specialist, this is the opportunity for you!
How to Apply:
Showcase your expertise and passion for payroll processes. Submit your updated resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and enthusiasm for joining our team in Havant.
***PLEASE NOTE***
Security Clearance (SC) or eligibility to gain is required to be considered for this vacancy
Services advertised by Gold Group are those of an Agency and/or an Employment Business.
We will contact you within the next 14 days if you are selected for interview. For a copy of our privacy policy please visit our website
Senior Payroll Specialist employer: Gold Group
Contact Detail:
Gold Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Payroll Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and finance sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its culture, especially since this role is in a well-established engineering organisation. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their needs, particularly around UK payroll operations and legislation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on articulating your experience with SAP SuccessFactors and Oracle payroll systems, as well as your ability to mentor others—these are key points they'll want to hear about.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our success in the defence engineering industry.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Payroll Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Payroll Specialist role. Highlight your experience with UK payroll operations, SAP SuccessFactors, and any relevant legislation. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for payroll and why you’re excited about this opportunity. Let us know how your background makes you the perfect fit for our team in Havant.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your advanced Excel skills and any experience with Oracle payroll systems. We love seeing specific examples of how you've used these skills in your previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gold Group
✨Know Your Payroll Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory payments. Be prepared to discuss your experience with Oracle payroll systems and how you've handled complex payroll queries in the past.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Since advanced Excel skills are a must, be ready to demonstrate your proficiency with VLOOKUPs and pivot tables. You might even want to prepare a quick example or two to show how you've used these skills in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, especially around payroll discrepancies or year-end activities like P60s and P11Ds. Think of specific situations where you successfully navigated challenges and be ready to share those stories.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Qualities
As a Senior Payroll Specialist, you'll likely mentor junior colleagues. Be prepared to discuss your approach to training and guiding others, and maybe even share a success story about how you helped someone improve their skills.
