Payroll Administrator

Payroll Administrator

Full-Time Home office (partial)
Harrington Starr

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage multi-country payroll and support payroll transformation initiatives.
  • Company: Global Investment Bank with a focus on innovation and growth.
  • Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid work model, and potential for permanent role.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a dynamic financial services environment.
  • Why this job: Take ownership of complex payroll processes and make an immediate impact.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years UK payroll experience and ability to handle complex queries.
  • Payroll Administrator – Multi-Country Payroll (Financial Services)
  • Up to £475 per day
  • Hybrid – London

A global Investment Bank is scaling its payroll function across London, Dublin, and expat populations.

You will help support a live transition of expat payroll in-house and a wider payroll harmonisation programme — critical work with immediate impact.

  • This is a high-impact payroll position with ownership across multiple jurisdictions:
  • Run UK payroll end-to-end (~2,000 employees)
  • Support Dublin (EY managed) + expat payroll (~300 employees)
  • Handle complex queries, exceptions, and payroll accuracy
  • Work across SD Worx, Success Factors, and Service Now
  • Contribute to payroll transformation and process improvement
  • Partner with HR, Finance, and tax advisors

What you'll need

  • 5+ years UK payroll experience (essential)
  • Strong in high-volume, complex environments
  • Confident handling queries without reliance on others
  • Expat / global mobility payroll (nice to have)
  • Systems: SD Worx, Success Factors or Service Now (bonus)
  • Financial services preferred (not essential)
  • Why This Role
  • Immediate ownership in a complex, multi-country setup
  • Exposure to expat payroll and transformation work
  • High likelihood of extension / potential perm route
  • Strong autonomy — trusted to deliver from day one
  • #J-18808-Ljbffr
Harrington Starr

Contact Details:

Harrington Starr Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Payroll Administrator

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 Harrington Starr. 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 Administrator

UK Payroll Experience
High-Volume Payroll Management
Complex Query Handling
Expat Payroll Knowledge
SD Worx
SuccessFactors
ServiceNow

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 Harrington Starr.

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 Harrington Starr'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 Harrington Starr

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 Harrington Starr.

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 Harrington Starr 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 Harrington Starr 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.