Payroll Analyst

Payroll Analyst

Watford Full-Time 28000 - 42000 Β£ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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Hays

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Own payroll operations, manage weekly and monthly payroll, and analyse rota data.
  • Company: Join a fast-growing hospitality group with 15 locations and ambitious growth plans.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a Β£35,000 salary, hybrid working, and a supportive team environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a people-first business with exciting growth opportunities.
  • Qualifications: Experience in multi-site payroll, strong Excel skills, and attention to detail required.
  • Other info: Opportunity to shape a growing payroll function from day one.

The predicted salary is between 28000 - 42000 Β£ per year.

Your new company
We are a fast-growing, multi-site hospitality group with 15 thriving locations across the UK and plan to grow the business both in the UK and internationally. With over 400 employees and a flat, collaborative head office structure, we are proud of our record-breaking sales and strong operational foundations.

Your new role
You will take full ownership of our payroll operations across all sites. You will manage weekly payroll for hourly and part-time staff, monthly payroll for salaried employees, and ensure all data is accurate, compliant, and timely. You will work closely with our outsourced BACS bureau and pension provider, administer quarterly bonuses, and handle payroll queries. You will also play a key role in analysing rota data vs actuals, spotting anomalies, and supporting the transition to a fully in-house payroll system.

What you will need to succeed:

  • Proven experience managing payroll in a multi-site environment.
  • Strong Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, data validation).
  • Familiarity with IRIS or similar payroll software.
  • A detail-oriented mindset with a passion for clean, accurate data.
  • Ability to manage both weekly and monthly payroll cycles.
  • Strong communication skills and a collaborative approach.

What you will get in return:

  • A salary of Β£35,000 and the opportunity to shape a growing payroll function.
  • A flat, supportive team structure with hybrid working flexibility.
  • The chance to work in a fast-paced, people-first business with exciting growth plans.
  • Real ownership and the ability to make a tangible impact from day one.

What you need to do now
If you are interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

Payroll Analyst employer: Hays

Join our dynamic hospitality group, where you'll thrive in a collaborative environment that values your contributions and offers real ownership of your work. With competitive salary packages, hybrid working options, and a commitment to employee growth, we provide a unique opportunity to shape the future of our payroll function while being part of an exciting expansion journey across the UK and internationally.
Hays

Contact Detail:

Hays Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Payroll Analyst

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific payroll software mentioned in the job description, such as IRIS. If you haven't used it before, consider taking an online course or watching tutorials to get a good grasp of its functionalities.

✨Tip Number 2

Brush up on your Excel skills, especially VLOOKUPs and pivot tables. You might want to create sample payroll reports to practice these functions, as they are crucial for analysing data effectively.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with professionals in the payroll field, particularly those who have experience in multi-site environments. Join relevant LinkedIn groups or forums where you can ask questions and gain insights into best practices.

✨Tip Number 4

Prepare to discuss your previous payroll experiences in detail during the interview. Think of specific examples where you managed payroll cycles or resolved queries, as this will demonstrate your capability and attention to detail.

We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Analyst

Payroll Management
Excel Proficiency (VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables, Data Validation)
Familiarity with Payroll Software (IRIS or similar)
Attention to Detail
Data Accuracy and Compliance
Multi-Site Payroll Operations
Communication Skills
Analytical Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Time Management
Collaboration Skills
Ability to Handle Payroll Queries
Understanding of Pension Administration
Experience with Bonus Administration

Some tips for your application 🫑

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in managing payroll, especially in a multi-site environment. Include specific examples of your work with payroll software like IRIS and your proficiency in Excel.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your attention to detail and passion for accurate data management. Mention your collaborative approach and how you can contribute to the company's growth plans.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables. Also, mention your ability to manage both weekly and monthly payroll cycles effectively.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any errors. A clean, error-free application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Payroll Analyst role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Hays

✨Showcase Your Payroll Experience

Be prepared to discuss your previous experience managing payroll in a multi-site environment. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.

✨Excel Skills are Key

Since strong Excel skills are essential for this position, be ready to provide examples of how you've used VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and data validation in your past roles. If possible, mention any projects where these skills led to improved efficiency or accuracy.

✨Understand the Software

Familiarise yourself with IRIS or similar payroll software before the interview. Being able to discuss your experience with these tools will show that you're ready to hit the ground running and can adapt quickly to their systems.

✨Communicate Effectively

Strong communication skills are crucial for this role. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with teams in the past, especially when handling payroll queries or working with external partners like BACS bureaus and pension providers.

Payroll Analyst
Hays
Location: Watford
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