At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll operations across EMEA and APAC, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Company: Join a dynamic multinational organisation focused on operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on innovation and career growth.
- Why this job: Be a key player in transforming payroll processes and driving efficiency.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of multi-country payroll experience and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
The Regional Payroll Specialist is responsible for owning the operational delivery, financial integrity and statutory compliance of payroll across EMEA, the UK and designated APAC entities. Working closely with HR, Finance and outsourced payroll providers, the role ensures payroll operations are delivered accurately, compliantly and on time while maintaining strong financial controls, supporting month-end close activities and driving continuous improvement across regional payroll processes. The role combines payroll expertise with financial analysis, governance and business partnering to support the wider Finance organisation.
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for a proactive, analytical and commercially minded payroll professional who combines strong technical payroll expertise with financial acumen and a passion for operational excellence. The successful candidate will take ownership, build trusted relationships and continuously improve payroll processes across a multi-country environment.
Role Scope
- Regional payroll operations across EMEA, the UK and designated APAC entities
- Payroll accounting and financial reporting
- HMRC statutory compliance
- ADP and outsourced payroll provider management
- Payroll governance, controls and audit readiness
- Payroll transformation and continuous improvement
- Payroll master data governance and integrity
Key Accountabilities
- Operational Excellence: Own the end-to-end payroll lifecycle, ensuring accurate, compliant and timely payroll delivery.
- Financial Stewardship: Own payroll journals, accruals, balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis, budgeting support, payroll-related intercompany cross-charges, and ensure timely resolution of reconciling items.
- Governance & Regulatory Compliance: Manage PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, P11D, PAYE Settlement Agreements (PSA), statutory tax payments, payroll tax reconciliations, and maintain a robust internal control environment, ensuring compliance with company policies, approval workflows, segregation of duties, and regulatory requirements.
- Business Partnership: Partner with HR, Finance, business leaders and outsourced providers while coordinating bonus administration.
- Continuous Improvement: Drive automation, standardization, SOP ownership, payroll system enhancements, acquisitions, onboarding activities, and support Finance transformation initiatives related to payroll processes and reporting.
- Performance & Analytics: Develop and monitor payroll KPIs, payroll provider performance, payroll accuracy metrics, reconciliation status, and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and service quality.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum 5 years' multi-country payroll experience
- Strong UK payroll and HMRC knowledge
- Experience with outsourced payroll providers (e.g. ADP)
- Payroll accounting, journals and reconciliations
- Advanced Microsoft Excel
- ERP experience preferably JD Edwards
- Experience working within a multinational organization
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Desirable
- CIPP qualification (or working towards)
- AAT qualification or equivalent
- EMEA payroll experience
- JD Edwards experience
- Payroll transformation experience
Regional Payroll Specialist in Harpenden employer: Gowan Company
Gowan Company is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and fosters a collaborative work culture. With a focus on innovation in crop protection, employees benefit from engaging in meaningful projects while enjoying opportunities for professional growth and travel across diverse territories. The supportive environment encourages teamwork and the sharing of ideas, making it a rewarding place to build a career in agriculture.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Payroll Specialist in Harpenden
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
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Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Gowan Company!
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We think you need these skills to ace Regional Payroll Specialist in Harpenden
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Gowan Company. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Gowan Company and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Gowan Company. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Gowan Company's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gowan Company
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Gowan Company.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Gowan Company will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Gowan Company and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
