Payroll Lead

Payroll Lead

Edinburgh Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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KAEFER UK & Ireland

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead payroll operations and ensure compliance across offshore and onshore facilities.
  • Company: Join KAEFER, a global leader in technical industrial services with a supportive culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, healthcare support, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values ambition, respect, and reliability.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by managing payroll for diverse teams and ensuring compliance.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years of payroll experience, preferably in the energy sector, with strong analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

KAEFER UK and Ireland

Count on us.

Job title: Payroll Lead

Location: Aberdeen

Contract type: Full time Permanent

  • At KAEFER, our success is built on our values and culture, which creates a supportive and inclusive environment where employees can thrive. We prioritise growth and development, with abundant opportunities for advancement and a commitment to promoting from within. Our wide range of job openings, including entry-level positions, allows for the first steps on the ladder to success. We provide ongoing training and development opportunities to support our employees throughout their careers.
  • The Opportunity
  • We are looking for a meticulous and proactive Senior Payroll Controller to lead payroll operations across our offshore assets and onshore gas facilities. This role is pivotal in ensuring accurate payroll processing, compliance with UK employment and tax law, and will oversee a small team of Payroll Advisors.
  • You’ll be responsible for managing payroll cycles, ensuring regulatory compliance across jurisdictions, and supporting a diverse workforce that includes rotational an ad/hoc offshore crews, onshore teams, and international contractors

How you will make an impact

  • Oversee payroll processing for offshore and onshore personnel, including rotational schedules, allowances, and overtime
  • Ensure full compliance with UK employment law, HMRC regulations,
  • Ensure full compliance with ESA and NAECI terms, including pay rates, working hours, and benefit entitlement
  • Manage payroll for multiple entities and locations, including FPSOs and onshore sites.
  • Collaborate with HR, Logistics and Operations to maintain accurate employee data, contracts, and shift records
  • Lead payroll audits, reconciliations, and statutory reporting for internal and external stakeholders

What you will bring

  • Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Finance, HR, or related field (CIPP or CPP certification preferred)
  • Minimum 5 years of payroll experience, with at least 2 years in the energy or offshore sector
  • Experience managing payroll for rotational workers and shift-based teams
  • Strong knowledge of international payroll regulations, tax treaties, and expatriate compensation
  • Advanced Excel skills
  • Exceptional attention to detail, analytical skills, and confidentiality
  • Ability to work under pressure and manage complex payroll cycles
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills

Why KAEFER?

Our mission is clear: to be the most reliable and efficient provider of technical industrial services.

KAEFER UK & Ireland provides a large and growing range of industries with asset integrity services including access solutions, insulation, surface protection, HVAC fabrication, E, C&I and more. We focus on improving energy efficiency and extending asset life cycles.

The company has twelve operating centres across the UK and Ireland, employing approximately 3,500 highly skilled and experienced people. Our people are our lifeforce and every day they deliver excellence to our customers.

KAEFER UK & Ireland is part of the KAEFER Group, a global €2.4 billion business with its headquarters in Bremen, Germany. KAEFER works on more than 5,500 contracts internationally, with around 33,000 employees. With unrivalled experience and expertise, our teams provide trusted partnerships and tailored support to execute even the most challenging and complex projects for clients.

We take pride in being part of a global company with common values and many diverse and individual voices. We make positive contributions in the communities where we live and work – after all when it counts, count on us!

Our Values unite us as a team, they serve as the foundation of everything we do. They define who we are, guide our actions, and inspire us to be our best every day – they are Ambition, Team Spirit, Respect and Reliability.

Salary and benefits

The salary for this role is competitive and comes with the following benefits:

Financial benefits

  • Competitive salary reviewed annually
  • Pension based on minimum of 5% from employee, 7.5% from KAEFER
  • Discretionary, non-contractual, company bonus scheme (annual)
  • Long term service reward
  • Life cover (x3 annual salary)
  • Company Discount Scheme (Pluxee)

Work life balance

  • 33 days annual leave per year (inclusive of bank holidays) based on full time contract
  • Option to purchase an additional 5 days annual leave per year

Health, Happiness and Family

  • BUPA healthcare assessment, after 2 years service and every 3 years thereafter
  • 24/7 Employee Assistance Line with access to external counsellor
  • Company funded eye tests (VDU and safety glasses)
  • Enhanced family friendly policies
  • Company paid sick leave following probationary period

Learning & Development

  • Support to build your professional development plan to grow and evolve with us
  • Payment towards annual professional fees and CPD relevant to roles

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and a team that reflects a broad range of perspectives and experiences, where all individuals are valued and have the opportunity to thrive. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives.

If you’d like to discuss our recruitment process further, or need support during the application stage, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Unsolicited CVs sent by recruitment agencies will be considered the property of KAEFER UK and Ireland and no fee will be payable.

Payroll Lead employer: KAEFER UK & Ireland

KAEFER UK and Ireland is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, prioritising employee growth and development. With a commitment to promoting from within, employees benefit from ongoing training opportunities and a competitive salary package, including generous annual leave and health benefits. Located in Aberdeen, this role offers the chance to be part of a global company dedicated to excellence and community contribution, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
KAEFER UK & Ireland

Contact Detail:

KAEFER UK & Ireland Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Payroll Lead

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching KAEFER and understanding their values. Show how your skills align with their mission and culture. We want to see that you’re not just a fit on paper but also a great match for the team!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice common interview questions and prepare your own to ask. This shows you’re engaged and interested. Plus, it gives you a chance to highlight your experience in payroll management and compliance.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Lead

Payroll Management
Regulatory Compliance
UK Employment Law
HMRC Regulations
International Payroll Regulations
Tax Treaties
Expatriate Compensation
Advanced Excel Skills
Attention to Detail
Analytical Skills
Stakeholder Management
Team Leadership
Communication Skills
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in payroll management, especially in the energy or offshore sector. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your advanced Excel skills and attention to detail. These are crucial for managing complex payroll cycles. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate your expertise.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. We love seeing enthusiasm and a good fit for our company culture.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at KAEFER UK & Ireland

✨Know Your Payroll Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge, especially regarding UK employment law and HMRC regulations. Being able to discuss compliance confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.

✨Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills

Since this role involves overseeing a small team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you foster collaboration among team members.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Think about potential challenges you might face in managing payroll for rotational workers and shift-based teams. Prepare to discuss how you'd handle these situations, demonstrating your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.

✨Align with Company Values

KAEFER values ambition, team spirit, respect, and reliability. During the interview, make sure to express how your personal values align with theirs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who fits well within their culture.

Payroll Lead
KAEFER UK & Ireland
Location: Edinburgh
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