At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll for 5,000 employees and ensure compliance with statutory obligations.
- Company: Dynamic company looking for a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist.
- Benefits: Up to £37k salary, hybrid working, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and enjoy a flexible work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving payroll processes and handling complex challenges.
- Qualifications: Hands-on payroll experience, strong Excel skills, and knowledge of statutory payments.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 € per year.
This is a payroll role that actually has some bite to it. If you’re the sort of person who can take 5,000 employees, multiple payrolls, a stack of statutory obligations, a sprinkle of IR35, and still sleep at night, you’re not just “good with payroll” and you’re probably mildly underappreciated. This is a real opportunity to improve how things are done, not just tick boxes and hope nobody notices the month-end panic.
The role: You’ll be running end-to-end payroll across multiple payrolls for around 5,000 people. That means starters, leavers, adjustments, pensions, benefits, and the occasional “why is this different this month?” conversation that turns out to have a very long answer.
You’ll also be involved in:
- Supporting payroll migrations across different business units (yes, systems changes… everyone’s favourite)
- Managing IR35 and third-party payments without breaking a sweat
- Handling HMRC submissions and statutory reporting accurately the first time
- Liaising with external providers who will all have “just one quick question”
- Keeping benefits and pensions aligned, compliant, and not on fire
What you’ll need (besides patience):
- Proper, hands-on payroll experience across multiple payrolls
- The ability to think in gross-to-net without reaching for a calculator every time
- Strong Excel skills (not “I can do a SUM”, actual Excel competence)
- Familiarity with statutory payments (SMP, SSP, the usual alphabet soup)
- Understanding of IR35, pensions auto-enrolment, salary sacrifice, and all the other things that make payroll “fun”
- A detail obsession that others might describe as “slightly intense”
- The judgement to know when to escalate, and when to quietly fix it before anyone asks
What’s in it for you?
- An annual salary of up to £37k (depending on experience)
- Hybrid working (1 day in the Leeds office)
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays
Click “apply now” to find out more.
Payroll Specialist in Leeds employer: Headstar
Join a dynamic team where your payroll expertise will be truly valued and recognised. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a supportive work culture that encourages innovation and improvement in payroll processes. Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid working from our Leeds office, alongside competitive benefits including 25 days annual leave and a salary of up to £37k, making this an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Specialist in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll world and let them know you're on the hunt for a Payroll Specialist role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those tricky interview questions! Brush up on your knowledge of IR35, statutory payments, and Excel skills. We all know they’ll want to see if you can handle the pressure, so practice explaining complex payroll scenarios clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your problem-solving skills! When discussing your experience, highlight specific instances where you improved payroll processes or tackled challenges head-on. This will demonstrate that you’re not just about ticking boxes but genuinely care about making things better.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Specialist in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Payroll Passion:When you’re writing your application, let your enthusiasm for payroll shine through! Talk about your hands-on experience and how you’ve tackled complex payroll situations. We want to see that you’re not just good with numbers but genuinely excited about making payroll processes better.
Be Specific About Your Skills:Don’t just say you’re great with Excel; show us! Mention specific functions or projects where you’ve used your skills to solve problems. This is your chance to demonstrate that you can handle the nitty-gritty of payroll without breaking a sweat.
Highlight Your Detail-Obsessed Nature:We love a detail-oriented person! In your application, share examples of how your attention to detail has saved the day in previous roles. Whether it’s catching an error before it goes live or ensuring compliance with statutory obligations, we want to hear about it!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we appreciate a friendly tone, remember to keep it professional. Share a bit about yourself and why you’re interested in this role at StudySmarter. A personal touch can make your application stand out, so don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Headstar
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge, especially around statutory payments and IR35. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with multiple payrolls and how you've tackled challenges in the past.
✨Excel Like a Pro
Since strong Excel skills are a must, practice using advanced functions and data analysis tools. You might be asked to demonstrate your competence, so be prepared to showcase your skills with real examples from your previous roles.
✨Show Off Your Detail Obsession
This role requires a keen eye for detail, so come armed with examples of how your attention to detail has saved the day in previous jobs. Highlight situations where your meticulousness made a significant impact on payroll accuracy or compliance.
✨Prepare for the 'Why is This Different?' Question
Expect to discuss how you handle payroll discrepancies and complex queries. Think of specific instances where you resolved issues effectively, and be ready to explain your thought process and the steps you took to find solutions.
