At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform complex payroll data into clear insights for better decision-making.
- Company: Join M&S, a leading retailer with a strong sense of purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 20% discount, competitive holidays, and 24/7 wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving payroll reporting and compliance.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll reporting and advanced Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
At M&S, our People Hub helps make sure our colleagues are supported by accurate, reliable and timely payroll services.
As a Payroll Reporting Analyst, you’ll play a key role in turning complex payroll data into clear, meaningful insight, helping teams make confident decisions and continuously improve how we work.
You’ll take ownership of regular and ad-hoc payroll reporting, support compliance and audit activity, and help strengthen reporting capability across the People Hub.
This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys working with data, spotting trends, solving problems and making information easy for others to understand.
- What you’ll do
- Deliver accurate, timely and consistent payroll reporting across key areas such as headcount, pay variances, overtime, absence and pensions, making sure outputs are clear, reliable and aligned to agreed timelines.
- Analyse payroll data to identify discrepancies, trends and risks, using your insight to make practical recommendations that support better decision‑making across the People Hub.
- Maintain strong data integrity through validation, reconciliation and audit processes across payroll and HR systems, helping to ensure reporting is robust and trusted.
- Support payroll audits, reconciliations, year‑end activity, RTI submissions and statutory returns by providing accurate reporting and analysis when it matters most.
- Help improve and simplify payroll reporting by finding opportunities for automation, standardisation and clearer documentation, working closely with colleagues across Payroll, HR, Finance, Governance and Compliance.
Who you are
Your skills and experience will include
- Experience in payroll reporting, data analysis or payroll operations within a medium to large organisation, with the confidence to work with complex information and large datasets.
- Solid understanding of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, NI, statutory payments and pensions, with a focus on accuracy, compliance and doing things correctly.
- Advanced Excel skills, including pivot tables, lookups and data modelling, alongside experience using payroll systems and HR or payroll data interfaces.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to turn data into clear, actionable insight for different audiences.
- Experience using Oracle HCM Cloud OTBI, with Power BI or data visualisation experience also valued, and a customer‑focused approach to delivering high‑quality reporting.
What’s in it for you?
Working at M&S means being part of something bigger – helping to deliver quality, value and service to millions of customers every day.
We’re inclusive, fast‑moving and always evolving, with a strong sense of purpose and a focus on doing the right thing.
- Here are just a few of the benefits that make working here even more rewarding:
- 20% colleague discount on all M&S products and many third‑party brands for you and someone in your household, available once you’ve completed your probation
- Competitive holiday allowance with the option to buy more
- Strong pension and life assurance to help plan for the future
- Tailored induction and training to support your development from day one
- Exclusive perks and savings through our M&S Choices portal
- Market‑leading family policies, including parental, adoption and neonatal leave
- 24/7 wellbeing support, including virtual GP access and mental health services
- One paid volunteer day a year to support a cause that matters to you
- Everyone’s welcome
We are ambitious about the future of retail.
We’re disrupting, innovating and leading the industry into a more conscientious, inspiring digital era.
We’re transforming how we work together and offering our most exciting opportunities yet.
Marks & Spencer strives to be an inclusive organisation, trusted and admired by our colleagues, customers and suppliers.
Join us and make change happen.
We are committed to building diverse and representative teams, where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and be at their best.
We support each other and work together to win together.
If you feel you'd benefit from any support or reasonable adjustments during any stage of the recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know when completing your application.
This information will be picked up by our team, so we can try and put steps in place to help you be at your best through this process.
- #LI-MW1 #LI-Hybrid #hybridrole
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Payroll Reporting Analyst employer: Marks & Spencer Plc
Marks & Spencer Plc is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the heart of Salford. Employees benefit from a competitive package, extensive professional development opportunities, and the chance to lead cutting-edge HR technology initiatives, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Reporting Analyst
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Marks & Spencer Plc. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Reporting Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Marks & Spencer Plc.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Marks & Spencer Plc's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marks & Spencer Plc
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Marks & Spencer Plc.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Marks & Spencer Plc will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Marks & Spencer Plc employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
