Payroll Specialist in Southampton

Salary: £40,000- £42,000 per annum (Depending on Experience)

Contract: 12-Month Fixed Term Contract (with the potential to become permanent)

Location: Southampton – Hybrid Role (3 Days in Central Southampton Office)

Hours: Full Time

We're looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist to join our growing Payroll team on a 12-month fixed term contract. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys taking ownership, solving problems and working as part of a collaborative team. As our business continues to grow through acquisitions, you'll play an important role not only in delivering accurate payrolls but also in supporting the integration of new services into the business.

This isn't a role where you'll simply process payroll from a checklist. We're looking for someone who can think independently, investigate complex payroll scenarios and confidently manage payrolls with minimal supervision.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for multiple payrolls.
• Ensure payrolls are processed accurately and within strict deadlines.
• Calculate and process statutory payments including SSP, SMP, SPP and other statutory entitlements.
• Process starters, leavers, contractual changes, salary amendments and pension submissions.
• Investigate payroll queries and discrepancies, identifying solutions independently wherever possible.
• Assist with payroll reconciliations and HMRC submissions.
• Support the Payroll Manager with onboarding newly acquired businesses and integrating payrolls into existing processes.
• Review and check the work completed by Payroll Administrators, providing guidance and constructive feedback where required.
• Help identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, efficiencies and controls.
• Build strong relationships with managers across the business, providing a professional and knowledgeable payroll service.

About You

You'll be someone who enjoys taking ownership of your work and is comfortable making informed decisions. You're naturally curious, enjoy investigating payroll issues and don't rely on others to provide every answer.

You'll have:

• Significant experience managing payrolls from start to finish.
• Sage 50 Payroll Experience
• Experience supporting payroll implementations, acquisitions, or TUPE transfers
• A strong understanding of UK payroll legislation and statutory payments.
• Experience with pensions, HMRC submissions and payroll reconciliations.
• The ability to investigate and resolve complex payroll queries independently.
• Excellent attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Strong communication skills with the confidence to support colleagues across the business.
• Experience checking or mentoring the work of others would be advantageous.

What We Offer

• 12-month fixed term contract with the potential to become permanent
• Opportunity to play a key role in a growing organisation
• Varied and interesting work, including payroll integrations and acquisitions
• Supportive team environment where your ideas and expertise are valued
• Ongoing opportunities to contribute to process improvements and automation initiatives
• Blue Light Discount – Savings on many high street shops & restaurants!

If you're an experienced payroll professional looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.