At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll projects and ensure accurate payments for our crew.
- Company: Join McDonald's, a beloved brand with a diverse and inclusive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a vibrant work environment.
- Other info: Embrace change and make a real impact in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of payroll at McDonald's.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll systems and a passion for problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About Us
McDonald's has run its business in the UK since 1974 and currently operates over 1500 restaurants across the UK and Ireland, serving almost four million customers each day. McDonald's is one of the UK's largest private sector employers, employing over 170,000 people.
Department Overview
Here is the chance to join our well-regarded Payroll Team in the early stage of our new payroll landscape following our system migration to Zellis ResourceLink/HCM Air late in 2025. You will take a leading role in all upcoming payroll projects working directly with the Payroll Manager, Systems & Compliance Manager and Payroll Team. There may also be a requirement to work with the team to process the payroll for around 18,000 of our crew every fortnight along with 2 monthly payrolls for our salaried staff.
What Team will I be a part?
We have a very broad remit in Finance and are highly regarded, with the result that we have oversight of everything that happens across the business and Payroll is at the heart of this.
Who are my customers?
McDonald’s UK Head Office, Restaurants and Operations, Government bodies and external organisations such as HMRC and external project partners.
Duties
Well, what’s a normal day in payroll – There isn’t one as it changes every day. You could be supporting the fortnightly payroll one day and leading a project to cover the latest government changes the next. There will always be new things to learn and you will play a leading part in all new department projects.
Your main duties will include:
- Review and document current and future payroll processes
- Work with the existing Payroll team to gain knowledge and understanding of the defined payroll requirements
- Taking a leading role in all upcoming projects within the department
- Liaise with all relevant stakeholders at all levels
- Working with the team to ensure all team members are paid accurately and on time every time
- Provide a high standard of customer service to all internal and external customers
- Provide support to cross functional teams as requested; both within the department and broader business to triage support issues
- Ensure integrity and security of all payroll data
- Maintain internal control procedures to safeguard the integrity of the company
- Assist with Year End processing for multiple companies
Qualifications
We will shortly be starting our journey to a new payroll software, so we need the ideal candidate to be up for a challenge and someone that really embraces change with both hands.
Key attributes you will have are:
- Experience of working in a team
- Minimum 5 years payroll systems & software migration experience
- Comfort and experience of working in a fast paced and changing working environment
- Experience and an ability to think outside of the box to solve problems
- Continuous improvement and curious mindset
- Knowledge of payroll and pension legislation and compliance
- Adherence to payroll and statutory deadlines to mitigate risk of penalties and delayed payments
- Be proficient with Microsoft Office software i.e. Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Outlook etc.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, confidence, keen eye for detail, high level of accuracy, resiliency and passionate about both payroll and McDonald's
- Experience of system implementation projects
- Experience of ResourceLink/Zellis HCM payroll system
- Experience of ResourceLink Reporting Services (RRS)
- Experience of Power Automate
- Experience of process mapping payroll processes
- Experience of salary sacrifice schemes e.g. pension, cars (Desirable)
- Experience of Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements within Payroll (Desirable)
At McDonald's, we are People from all Walks of Life...
Company Vision and Culture
Our Global vision is to build a better McDonald's and in the UK and Ireland we are working hard to be the UK & Ireland's best-loved restaurant company. McDonald's is defined by its culture. Our culture shapes and informs everything we think and everything we do. Our culture influences the way we interact with each other, and how we interact with customers, franchisees and suppliers. Our culture motivates and inspires us to attract and retain great talent, creating positive, energising, exceptional working environment for us all. Our values drive our culture and shape our beliefs, our priorities and our actions. They influence the decisions we make, how we treat one another and how we show up as a brand to the world.
Serve: We put our customers and our people first
Inclusion: We open our doors to everyone
Integrity: We do the right thing
Community: We are good neighbours
Family: We get better together
At McDonald's we are People from all Walks of Life... People are at the heart of everything we do, and they make the McDonald's experience. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive culture that means people can be their best authentic self in our restaurants and offices, which helps us to better serve our customers. We have a strong heritage of diversity and representation within our communities, which we are proud of. The diversity of our people, customers, Franchisees and suppliers gives us strength. We do not tolerate inequality, injustice or discrimination of any kind. These are hugely important issues and a brand with our reach and relevance means we have a very meaningful role to play. We also recognise our responsibility as a large employer to continue being active in our communities, helping to develop skills and drive aspirations that will help people to be more aware of the world of work and more successful within it, whether with McDonald's or elsewhere.
Consultant, Payroll employer: McDonald's
McDonald’s is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the food and packaging sector. Employees benefit from extensive growth opportunities, competitive compensation, and the chance to make a significant impact on a £2+ billion spend while working in a vibrant environment across the UK & Ireland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Consultant, Payroll
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at McDonald's!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at McDonald's.
We think you need these skills to ace Consultant, Payroll
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at McDonald's. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to McDonald's and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at McDonald's. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to McDonald's's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at McDonald's
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with McDonald's.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at McDonald's will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact McDonald's and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
