Senior Payroll Officer in London

The Senior Payroll Officer is responsible for managing the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring employees and pensioners are paid accurately, on time, and in full compliance with statutory, regulatory, and organisational requirements. The role oversees payroll reconciliations, statutory submissions, pension administration, and third-party payments while maintaining the integrity of payroll data and systems. Working closely with HR, Finance, Pension Providers, and other stakeholders, the postholder ensures payroll operations run efficiently, continuously improves processes, supports system enhancements, and provides expert payroll guidance to the wider organisation.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Manage the complete end-to-end payroll cycle, ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing for employees and pensioners.
• Manage the testing of payroll-related Oracle system software changes, quarterly updates, emergency patch releases, and work with the local Oracle system leads in HR to ensure that all supporting documentation and training guides are kept up-to-date.
• Ensure payroll operations comply with all statutory legislation, HMRC regulations, pension requirements, and organisational policies.
• Review payroll inputs, reconcile payroll data, investigate discrepancies, and resolve payroll anomalies before finalisation.
• Produce and validate payroll outputs, including payslips, P45s, P60s, tax year-end returns, and statutory submissions.
• Manage third-party payments and reconciliations, including pension contributions, court orders, HMRC payments, and voluntary deductions.
• Monitor payroll transactions to minimise overpayments and underpayments while ensuring accurate recovery processes where required.
• Maintain the integrity of payroll and HR data, ensuring accurate processing of pensions, salary increments, absences, and contractual changes.
• Support payroll system enhancements by testing software updates, identifying system issues, and recommending process improvements.
• Manage payroll-related enquiries, providing expert advice and ensuring timely resolution of employee and stakeholder queries.
• Develop payroll procedures, training materials, and knowledge resources while supporting and mentoring team members to maintain high service standards.

Qualifications / Experience

• Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll operations within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC regulations, pensions, taxation, National Insurance, and statutory payments.
• Experience with payroll systems and HRIS platforms, including payroll reconciliations and system testing.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills with the ability to analyse, reconcile, and interpret payroll data accurately.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Experience preparing payroll reports, reconciliations, and statutory submissions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to explain complex payroll information clearly.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict payroll deadlines while maintaining high levels of accuracy.
• Experience developing payroll procedures, documentation, and continuous process improvements.
• Previous experience mentoring or supporting payroll team members is desirable.