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- Tasks: Manage payroll processing and ensure compliance with UK regulations for our London Campus.
- Company: Join a prestigious university with a commitment to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private healthcare options, and a generous salary package.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in payroll accuracy while working in a supportive team environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of payroll experience and strong knowledge of UK payroll practices required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
The Senior Payroll specialist will work alongside the International Payroll Manager and Senior Business Systems Analyst to deliver the day-to-day running of payroll at the University. These include Gross to Net calculations for all staff on a monthly basis, compliance with all HMRC and pension requirements, as well as supporting the work required to deliver all necessary regulatory reporting to other external bodies where applicable and to work closely with the Human Resources and Finance department to ensure all contractual changes, additions and deductions to payroll are processed in an accurate and timely manner. This is a hybrid role - 1-2 days a week on site required.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Delivering full‑cycle, end‑to‑end payroll processing for our London Campus, including RTI submissions and Year‑End tasks, ensuring all activities are completed in a timely manner.
- Overseeing Auto‑Enrolment processes and submitting pension data to our external vendor.
- Performing audits and reconciliations to maintain the accuracy and integrity of payroll information.
- Assisting with internal and external audit preparation, including organising documentation and supporting evidence requests.
- Producing payroll reports for internal stakeholders.
- Supporting employees by resolving payroll queries and identifying underlying issues.
- Act as a backup for Canadian payroll processing.
Skills and Knowledge
- 2+ years of experience with strong knowledge of UK Payroll practices and compliance.
- Proficient in using payroll systems and maintaining effective controls.
- Excellent communicator with strong stakeholder management skills.
- Membership of CIPP or working towards achieving CIPP Membership within 6 months of starting the role.
- Workday Payroll experience is advantageous.
- Canadian payroll experience and/or higher education industry exposure are advantageous.
Education, Qualifications, and Training
- Membership of CIPP or working towards achieving it - Essential.
Experience
- Strong payroll skills and previous experience in a similar role - Essential.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Good written communications and strong interpersonal skills to deal with individuals at various levels, and on potentially sensitive matters - Essential.
- Excellent IT skills, including advanced level with Microsoft Office Suite - Essential.
- Highly computer literate with experience of accounting packages - Essential.
- Ability to work quickly, accurately, and to deadlines, using a logical and methodical approach - Essential.
- A team player, with the ability to work independently - Essential.
Generous benefits package including 25 days holiday allowance pro rata (excl. Bank holidays), group life assurance, group income protection, pension schemes and private healthcare (optional).
London: £45,000-£50,000 per annum, depending on experience.
Sr Payroll Specialist (London) employer: Northeastern University
Contact Detail:
Northeastern University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sr Payroll Specialist (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and finance sectors. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK Payroll practices and compliance. Be ready to discuss your experience with payroll systems and how you've handled audits and reconciliations in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your communication skills! During interviews, highlight how you've resolved payroll queries and supported stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to work closely with HR and Finance departments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Sr Payroll Specialist (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Payroll Specialist role. Highlight your experience with UK payroll practices and any relevant software you've used, like Workday. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about payroll and how your previous experiences have prepared you for this role. Don’t forget to mention your communication skills and ability to work with different stakeholders.
Show Off Your Compliance Knowledge: Since compliance is key in payroll, make sure to showcase your understanding of HMRC and pension requirements. We love candidates who can demonstrate their knowledge and experience in maintaining payroll accuracy and integrity.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northeastern University
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on UK payroll practices and compliance. Familiarise yourself with Gross to Net calculations, RTI submissions, and Auto-Enrolment processes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Tech Skills
Since proficiency in payroll systems is key, be ready to talk about your experience with Workday or any other payroll software. If you've used accounting packages, mention those too! Highlighting your IT skills can really set you apart.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
As a Senior Payroll Specialist, you'll need to interact with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated complex payroll issues in the past. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, so don’t shy away from showcasing your ability to handle sensitive matters.
✨Be Ready for Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle payroll queries or resolve discrepancies. Think of specific scenarios from your previous roles where you successfully navigated challenges. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and your ability to work under pressure.