Payroll Specialist

We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join the Human Resources team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role is responsible for delivering a high standard of payroll services for both local and expatriate employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely processing.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll & Systems Administration
  • Maintain and update payroll systems with new starters, leavers, changes to benefits, employment status and other amendments in a timely and accurate manner.
  • Maintain monthly payroll files covering starters, leavers, bonuses and all payroll changes.
  • Act as first point of contact for the staff appraisal system, including implementation and ongoing monitoring.
  • Manage and monitor the Time and Attendance system (Darwinbox).
  • Support contract renewals and prepare approval notes for management.
  • Ensure compliance with Data Protection legislation.
• Payroll Processing
  • Check and process all monthly payroll changes on ADP and commit payroll accurately and on time.
  • Process statutory year-end activities including P60s, P11Ds and payroll returns.
  • Handle employee payroll and salary queries for both local and expatriate staff.
  • Create, maintain and continuously improve payroll processes.
  • Produce payroll reports in line with HR and business requirements.
• Pensions, Tax & Reconciliations
  • Reconcile pension files and payments and liaise with pension providers.
  • Manage season ticket loans and personal loans and submit monthly control returns.
  • Reconcile payroll postings to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies.
  • Ensure timely and accurate PAYE and NI payments.
  • Manage third-party payments to HMRC.
• Expatriate Payroll & Tax
  • Compile payroll and benefits data for expatriate payroll processing.
  • Liaise with external tax advisors for tax returns, PSA and P11Ds.
  • Assist expatriates with HMRC and NI number applications.
  • Ensure all joiner and leaver documentation is available for payroll processing.
• Additional Responsibilities
  • Process invoices and manage petty cash.
  • Support the HR team with additional administrative duties as required.
  • Undertake any other duties as delegated by the Head of HR.

Skills & Competencies

• Results-driven with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Strong organisational and self-management abilities.
• Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills.
• Able to work to deadlines in a fast-paced, office-based environment.

Person Specification

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.
• Experience operating payroll systems (ADP preferred).
• Knowledge of basic accounting is essential.
• Previous experience in a payroll-focused role, ideally including expatriate payroll.