At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll operations and ensure accuracy across multiple business entities.
- Company: Dynamic consultancy firm with a focus on payroll and HR.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, discretionary bonus, hybrid working, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to build trusted relationships across the business.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in payroll while gaining exposure to wider HR projects.
- Qualifications: Experienced payroll professional with strong Excel skills and attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Bristol
Salary: 45-50,000 (per annum)
Job type: Permanent
Working pattern: Full time
Industry: Business or Management Consultancy / Payroll
Company: Hays
Consultant: Emma Lewis
Payroll & HR Specialist
Full Time and Permanent
North Bristol
45-50,000 per annum plus discretionary bonus
Let's be honest: Most payroll jobs promise "variety" but end up being little more than processing pay runs and dealing with the occasional query. This one is different. I'm recruiting a newly created position for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys ownership, thrives on accuracy and genuinely wants to influence how things are done.
You'll take the lead on payroll operations across multiple business entities, each with their own payroll schedules, employee populations and complexities. From payroll validation and reconciliations to maternity calculations, sickness calculations, reporting and process improvements, you'll be the person ensuring everything lands exactly as it should. Right first time. Every time.
If you're the sort of payroll professional who spots the 17 discrepancies before anyone else notices, we'll probably get along!
What makes this opportunity particularly interesting is the wider exposure it offers. Alongside the payroll remit, you'll have the opportunity to become involved in the wider people function, giving you exposure to projects, process improvements and operational activities that many payroll roles simply don't offer. This isn't just about processing payroll. It's about ownership. It's about credibility. It's about becoming the go-to person that managers and employees trust when they need things done properly.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Managing payroll activities across multiple entities
- Validating payroll data, checking accuracy and resolving discrepancies
- Calculating statutory payments including maternity and sickness
- Producing payroll reports and analysing people data
- Working extensively with Excel and large datasets
- Supporting employee life cycle administration and documentation
- Enhancing processes, systems and ways of working
- Contributing to the rollout and development of a new people system
- Building trusted relationships across the business
What We're Looking For:
You'll already be an experienced payroll professional who understands that payroll isn't just about numbers; it's about delivering an exceptional service to every employee who trusts you to get their pay right. You'll likely bring:
- End-to-end payroll experience
- Strong payroll checking and validation skills
- Advanced Excel capability
- Experience managing multiple payrolls, companies or entities
- Confidence with payroll systems and HR platforms
- A proactive approach and continuous improvement mindset
- The ability to work independently and take ownership
- Experience supporting HR administration would be advantageous, but first and foremost, this is a payroll-focused opportunity.
Why It's Worth a Look:
- 45,000 - 50,000 salary
- Discretionary bonus
- Hybrid working pattern
- Private family healthcare
- A raft of wellbeing benefits
- A genuinely visible role where your work makes a difference
For a confidential discussion, get in touch...... call Em Lewis on 01792 642 042. Apply online with your CV #4813553 - Emma Lewis
Payroll & HR Specialist in Bristol employer: Hays
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll & HR Specialist in Bristol
✨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!
✨Make Your Presence Known
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 Hays!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Hays.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll & HR Specialist in Bristol
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 Hays. 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 Hays 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 Hays. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Hays'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 Hays
✨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 Hays.
✨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 Hays 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 Hays and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
