At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll transition and manage end-to-end payroll operations with precision.
- Company: Join a dynamic team focused on transforming payroll services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and potential for permanent role.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an immediate impact while shaping a best-practice payroll function.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK payroll and proven transition leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Payroll Implementation & Transition Specialist to lead a critical transition from our current payroll provider to a new managed service. This is a hands-on role where you will not only lead the transition programme but also take ownership of running payroll from day one, ensuring continuity, accuracy, and control during a period of heightened risk. This is a 6 month fixed-term contract, with the potential to transition into a permanent position.
Job Responsibilities
- Payroll Operations (Hands-On)
- Take ownership of running end-to-end UK payroll from the point of joining, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance.
- Manage payroll inputs, validation, approvals, and outputs, including overtime, bonuses, deductions, and statutory payments.
- Oversee and/or support monthly payroll cycles, managing risks associated with current provider performance issues.
- Perform payroll reconciliations, variance analysis, and error resolution.
- Act as the primary point of contact for payroll queries from employees and stakeholders.
- Payroll Transition Leadership
- Lead the end-to-end transition from current payroll provider to a new managed service.
- Coordinate activities across HR, Finance, IT, Compliance, and external providers.
- Manage transition plans, timelines, and governance frameworks.
- Act as the central programme lead ensuring delivery against milestones.
- Data Migration & Parallel Runs
- Oversee data extraction, cleansing, and migration between providers.
- Lead parallel payroll runs, ensuring full reconciliation and accuracy prior to go-live.
- Establish robust validation and sign-off processes to mitigate transition risk.
- Identify and resolve discrepancies proactively.
- Risk, Compliance & Controls
- Provide independent payroll assurance throughout the transition.
- Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, RTI, and statutory reporting.
- Strengthen payroll controls, governance, and audit readiness.
- Reduce operational, financial, and reputational risk linked to payroll inaccuracies.
- Process Design & Documentation
- Develop and document Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering payroll inputs and timelines.
- Develop and document SOPs covering validation and approval checkpoints.
- Develop and document SOPs covering exception handling and escalation routes.
- Build a controlled and scalable payroll environment for long-term ownership.
- Stakeholder Management
- Partner closely with HR and Finance to ensure continuity of BAU operations.
- Work with IT teams on data, systems, and integration requirements.
- Manage relationship with the external payroll provider (RSM).
- Provide clear communication on progress, risks, and key decisions.
Candidate Requirements
- Essential
- Proven experience running UK payroll hands-on (end-to-end ownership).
- CIPP qualification.
- Significant experience leading payroll transitions / implementations, particularly between providers or into managed services.
- Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including RTI, statutory payments, pensions, and year-end processes.
- Experience managing parallel runs, reconciliations, and payroll sign-off.
- Demonstrated ability to work across Payroll / HR, Finance (GL, reconciliations, reporting), IT / systems (data migration, integrations), Compliance / audit stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of payroll risk, controls, and governance frameworks.
- Personal Attributes
- Highly detail-oriented with strong accuracy focus.
- Hands-on and proactive with a delivery mindset.
- Able to operate effectively in a fast-paced, high-risk environment.
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders.
- Balances strategic oversight with operational execution.
Why Join This Role?
- Lead a business-critical transformation with immediate impact.
- Take ownership of payroll operations during a pivotal stabilisation period.
- Opportunity to transition into a permanent role in payroll & benefits.
- Build and shape a best-practice payroll function from the ground up.
Working Pattern
- Hybrid: 2 days per week in office (UK-based). Remaining days remote.
Payroll Implementation & Transition Specialist in Basingstoke employer: Once For All Limited
Join us as a Payroll Implementation & Transition Specialist and be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and excellence. Our hybrid work culture promotes flexibility, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while contributing to a critical transformation in payroll operations. With opportunities for growth and the chance to shape best practices from the ground up, we are committed to supporting your career development in a rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Implementation & Transition Specialist in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and HR sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and don't hesitate to ask for introductions or referrals. Personal recommendations can make all the difference!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its payroll processes. Familiarise yourself with their current provider and any recent changes in UK payroll legislation. This shows you're proactive and genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your hands-on experience with payroll transitions and compliance can benefit the company. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully managed payroll operations or led transitions.
✨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 take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Implementation & Transition Specialist in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Implementation & Transition Specialist role. Highlight your hands-on payroll experience and any transitions you've led before. We want to see how your skills match up with 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your experience with payroll operations and transitions, and let us know why you're excited about joining StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:Given the nature of payroll, attention to detail is key. In your application, mention instances where your accuracy made a difference in your previous roles. We love candidates who can demonstrate their meticulousness!
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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Once For All Limited
✨Know Your Payroll Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your UK payroll knowledge, especially around RTI, statutory payments, and year-end processes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but are ready to take ownership from day one.
✨Demonstrate Transition Leadership
Prepare examples of your past experiences leading payroll transitions. Be ready to discuss how you managed timelines, coordinated with different departments, and ensured compliance during those transitions. This will highlight your hands-on approach and leadership skills.
✨Showcase Your Detail Orientation
Since this role requires a high level of accuracy, come prepared with specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was resolving discrepancies or ensuring payroll reconciliations were spot on, these stories will illustrate your fit for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve effectively communicated with various stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share how you’ve influenced decisions or managed relationships, particularly with HR and Finance teams. This will demonstrate your ability to partner closely and keep everyone aligned during the transition.
