At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll for 1,600 employees and ensure accuracy in processing.
- Company: Join Panda, a leader in waste management with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team culture, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven company making a positive impact on communities.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in payroll processing and strong Excel skills required.
Location: Fassaroe, Bray, Co Wicklow initially, office move to Ballycoolin, Dublin in 2027
Start date: ASAP
Contracted Hours: 39 hours per week
We are looking to recruit a Payroll Specialist who will play a key role within a centralised Payroll Team in delivering a high-quality, accurate and reliable payroll service to c. 1,600 employees across eight ROI Companies within our Group.
Responsibilities:
- End-to-end processing of weekly and monthly payrolls which includes but is not limited to:
- Review and import of timesheet data and absence from Time and Attendance system
- Accurate update of employee records in payroll system for new joiners, leavers and pay changes/deductions received from Workday HCM reports
- Manual calculations using Excel as required e.g. back payments
- Audit of pay data (e.g. GTN variances, payment eligibility) to ensure accuracy and integrity of data processed
- Completion of required statutory Revenue reporting e.g. Payroll Submission, ERR Creation and upload of bank file(s) to on-line portal
- Administration, reconciliation and payment of third-party payroll deductions to relevant pension and healthcare providers
- Calculation and administration of BIK on company vehicles, loans and healthcare
- Completion of forms relating to Department of Social Protection and mortgage applications
- Respond promptly and professionally to queries received from employees and relevant stakeholders to the central Payroll Mailbox
- Collation of data and reports as required by Payroll, HR or Finance
- Prepare quarterly CSO return and assist with collation of data required for GPG reporting
- Ensure full compliance with Irish payroll legislation, statutory reporting, GDPR regulations and audit requirements
- Involvement in cross-functional and cross-divisional project work as is relevant to the position and to support with the delivery of key projects
Key attributes and skills:
- A keen willingness to learn new tasks, be open to change and demonstrate a high degree of flexibility and collaboration with various stakeholders
- Highly organised, detail-oriented and possessing the ability to effectively prioritise projects and deliverables whilst meeting tight payroll deadlines
- A high level of personal drive and self-motivation with an ability to work on own initiative and part of a team
- Excellent attention to detail and an ability to analyse and interrogate high volumes of data as well as demonstrating an ability to focus on higher level overview
- A minimum of 3+ years’ experience processing end-to-end high-volume, complex payrolls
- IPASS certified
- Strong technical knowledge of Irish payroll legislation and compliance
- Intermediate to advanced Excel experience is required (vlookups and pivot tables)
- Experience of in-house Payroll systems is essential (Quantum Enterprise preferable)
- Time and Attendance system experience is an advantage (TMS or UKG experience preferable)
About The Company:
We are Panda. We value waste. We’re in the business of waste management but that doesn’t just mean collecting bins. Behind every collection is a passionate team of people finding smarter, safer, and more sustainable ways to recycle and repurpose materials that would otherwise go to waste. Over the past 30 years, Panda has grown into a leading resource recovery business, bringing together almost 3,000 people across multiple brands, united by a shared vision and strong values. While our operations are diverse, our purpose is clear: to protect our people, support our customers, and create positive impact for the communities and environments we serve. At Panda, people are at the heart of everything we do. We work as one team, combining different skills, experiences, and perspectives to achieve shared goals. We care for each other’s wellbeing, encourage development, and support growth because we know we’re stronger together. We expect excellence in how we operate. High standards, bold thinking, and continuous improvement drive our passion for innovation. We challenge the ordinary, put safety first, and embrace new ideas while delivering practical, cost-effective solutions that move our business forward. We own what we do. From day-to-day tasks to major projects, we take pride in our work and responsibility for the outcome. We don’t walk past problems we address them together. Our expertise, reliability, and care reflect who we are and the difference we make. And above all, we act with trust and integrity. Trust is built through open communication, honesty, and accountability. It allows us to move quickly, make confident decisions, and deliver results — knowing our people are empowered to do the right thing. Our journey depends on talented, committed people who want to make an impact. Take the first step and join us on the journey.
Panda is committed to attracting and retaining a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the communities in which we operate and the people we serve.
Payroll Specialist employer: Panda
Contact Detail:
Panda Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or even in person. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Payroll Specialist role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your payroll knowledge and Excel skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with end-to-end payroll processing and how you ensure compliance with Irish legislation. Show them you mean business!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values. Check out our website for openings at Panda. We’re all about teamwork and innovation, and we’d love to see if you fit into our culture!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the Payroll Specialist position.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Specialist role. Highlight your experience with end-to-end payroll processing and any relevant software you've used, like Quantum Enterprise or Excel. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since accuracy is key in payroll, don’t shy away from showcasing your attention to detail. Include examples of how you've ensured data integrity in past roles. This will help us see that you can handle the high volumes of data we work with.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to complex topics like payroll!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you get all the updates directly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at Panda!
How to prepare for a job interview at Panda
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Irish payroll legislation and compliance. Familiarise yourself with the end-to-end payroll process, especially if you've got experience with systems like Quantum Enterprise or Time and Attendance systems. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Excel Like a Pro
Since intermediate to advanced Excel skills are a must, practice using vlookups and pivot tables before your interview. You might even want to prepare a few examples of how you've used Excel in past roles to solve problems or streamline processes. This will demonstrate your technical prowess and attention to detail.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
As a Payroll Specialist, you'll need to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed tight deadlines in previous jobs. Highlight your ability to prioritise and stay organised, as this is crucial for success in the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and how you handle payroll discrepancies or employee queries. Think of scenarios from your past experience where you had to resolve issues or improve processes. This will help you showcase your analytical skills and your ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders.