At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll processes and provide financial analysis to support the team.
- Company: Join Ocado Retail, the largest online supermarket, and be part of an innovative team.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, health perks, discounts, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of our AI Academy for future-ready skills and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in payroll operations while developing your skills in a tech-driven company.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll and strong Excel skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working – 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week: 40 hours
Level: Associate
Application Closing Date: Monday 4th May 2026
About Us
Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value. We are also on a mission to empower our business with smart technology; we have launched our AI Academy, providing a tailored AI learning journey for every colleague. We are Ocado Retail, a market-leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, ocado.com. We are the brains behind Zoom by Ocado, our same-day grocery delivery service.
About The Team And The Role
We are looking for a motivated individual who will be responsible for all areas of payroll for the business as well as supporting the central costs team with financial analysis & insight. You will be processing monthly & lunar payrolls for our head office & customer hub teams through our payroll system Cintra and building strong relationships with both internal & external stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely payroll operations. You will also have the opportunity to business partner with heads of department ensuring all people costs are within budget and to identify any opportunities and savings. You will be encouraged to review existing processes and drive continuous improvements across both payroll operations & central costs. The role will report to the Finance Manager.
What You’ll Do
- Monthly and Lunar Payroll:
- Checking and processing new starters, leavers & amendments (bonus pay, pay increase, sickness, overtime etc.)
- Checking and processing salary sacrifice schemes and deductions
- Pension processing and support
- Processing family leave agreements
- Preparation of P11d’s and PSA (PAYE Settlement agreements)
- General payroll related queries & supporting the People team with ad hoc queries
- Liaising with accounting team on monthly journals & balance sheet reconciliations
- Managing payroll controls & audit requests
- Support with continued payroll project work & ad hoc analysis
- Finance Analyst:
- Business partner with cost centre owners / heads of departments to ensure accurate cost control & forecasting of people costs
- Liaise with the People team to ensure accurate cost centre mappings and people movements
- Raising POs for the Transactional Finance team
- Supporting the Finance Manager to review existing processes and implement improvements
- Drive continuous improvement in financial processes and reporting
Who You Are
- Strong experience of working with monthly & lunar payroll
- Advanced knowledge of payroll processes, regulations and compliance standards
- Knowledge of Cintra Payroll / Sage HR
- Essential understanding of HR policies and processes related to payroll
- Experience working with financial systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Hyperion, or similar)
- Strong Excel skills (Vlookup, Pivot tables, Sumifs)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments
- Great attention to detail and able to maintain high level of accuracy in their work
- Ability to work independently, prioritise workload, and meet tight deadlines
What’s In It For You
By joining Ocado Retail, you’ll have the chance to experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with an amazing team who challenge what’s possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail. You’ll also be part of our AI Academy, a dedicated learning journey designed to empower every colleague with the smart technology skills of the future. If that’s not enough to tempt you, you’ll also get access to a range of benefits. Here’s a taste of what we offer:
- Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market-leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.
- Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.
- Never miss the moments that matter: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.
Our Hiring Process
Lucky for us, we receive a high volume of applications and genuinely appreciate the time and effort invested by every candidate. To ensure a fair and thorough process, every application is reviewed by a member of our team. If your skills and experience are a strong match, a Talent Partner will contact you to discuss the role and guide you through the next steps of our hiring process.
Your Application and AI
In the spirit of innovation, we welcome you to use AI tools in your application, just as we use them in our own business at Ocado Retail. However, as you leverage this technology, please don’t lose sight of the most important element: your unique self. Your experiences, passions, and personality are what truly set you apart. Ensure that your application still authentically conveys who you are and why you’re a great fit for us.
Everyone’s welcome
We’re an equal opportunities employer, which means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. We want to ensure everyone has a fair chance to apply; if you need this job description in an alternative format (e.g., larger print, different document type, etc.), please reach out to us at careers@ocadoretail.com and we’ll be happy to assist you, and if you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.
Payroll Advisor & Analyst in Hatfield employer: Ocado Retail
At Ocado Retail, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that champions innovation and employee development. Located in Hatfield, our hybrid working model allows for a balanced work-life experience, while our comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and generous discounts, ensures our team feels valued and supported. Join us to be part of a dynamic culture that encourages continuous improvement and offers unique growth opportunities within the world's largest online supermarket.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Advisor & Analyst in Hatfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Ocado Retail on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Payroll Advisor & Analyst role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your payroll knowledge, especially around Cintra and compliance standards. We want you to show off your expertise and how you can drive continuous improvements in payroll operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to highlight your Excel skills during interviews! Be ready to discuss how you've used Vlookup, Pivot tables, and Sumifs in past roles. This will demonstrate your analytical abilities and attention to detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed! Tailor your application to reflect how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the role. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to our mission!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Advisor & Analyst in Hatfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you unique.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the Payroll Advisor & Analyst role. Highlight your relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially your payroll expertise and financial analysis skills.
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t hold back on showcasing your strong Excel skills and any experience with payroll systems like Cintra. We love seeing how you can bring value to our team with your technical know-how!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Ocado Retail!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ocado Retail
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge, especially around monthly and lunar payroll processes. Familiarise yourself with Cintra Payroll and any relevant regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Excel Skills
Since strong Excel skills are a must for this role, practice using Vlookup, Pivot tables, and Sumifs before your interview. You might even want to prepare a quick example of how you've used these skills in past roles to demonstrate your expertise.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific payroll scenarios or challenges. Think through examples from your previous experience where you successfully managed payroll issues or improved processes, as this will highlight your problem-solving abilities.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
Remember, this role involves liaising with various departments. During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Show your excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively, as this is key to succeeding in the role.
