Payroll Specialist in Liverpool

The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for managing end-to-end payroll activity for the UK and supporting payroll coordination across EMEA regions, including Ireland, Germany, Belgium and France. The role will act as the main point of contact for payroll-related queries and will work closely with internal stakeholders, external providers, HR and Finance to ensure payroll is processed accurately, on time and in line with local statutory requirements. The successful candidate will need strong payroll legislation knowledge, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage payroll queries, benefits, expenses, deductions, reconciliations, statutory submissions and payroll changes. This role requires someone who is confident working independently, able to manage multiple payroll cycles and comfortable supporting a regional payroll environment. Please note, this role is offered on a 6-month fixed-term contract basis.

Responsibilities:

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for the UK, ensuring payroll is completed accurately, on time and in line with statutory requirements.
• Coordinate payroll activity across EMEA regions, working with external payroll providers where payroll is outsourced locally.
• Act as the main point of contact for payroll-related queries from employees, managers, HR, Finance, the US team and external payroll providers.
• Review, validate and process payroll changes including starters, leavers, job changes, salary changes, overtime, bonus payments, sickness absence, leave, deductions and other variable pay elements.
• Support annual pay award processing, ensuring salary changes are accurately reflected in payroll systems and provider submissions.
• Support benefits administration from a payroll perspective, ensuring benefit-related payroll entries, deductions and adjustments are processed correctly.
• Process and review expenses, ensuring payments are accurate and aligned with internal policies and payroll deadlines.
• Complete payroll reconciliations, identifying and resolving discrepancies before payroll is finalised.
• Support statutory payments and deductions, including sickness, leave-related payments, tax, National Insurance, pension contributions and other payroll-related obligations.
• Review payroll reports and outputs from external providers, checking for accuracy and following up on any errors or inconsistencies.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure all payroll documentation is stored appropriately and in line with data protection requirements.
• Support payroll audits by preparing documentation, reports, reconciliations and evidence as required.
• Identify payroll process improvements and help strengthen payroll controls, accuracy and consistency.
• Maintain confidentiality when handling employee pay, benefits, personal and financial information.
• Keep up to date with payroll legislation, statutory changes and compliance requirements relevant to the role.
• Carry out any other reasonable payroll-related duties in line with the needs of the business.

Qualifications:

• A recognised payroll qualification would be advantageous.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation is essential.
• Experience using BrightHR or similar payroll / HR systems would be advantageous.

Education/Experience:

• Previous experience in a Payroll Specialist, Payroll Officer, Payroll Administrator, Payroll Coordinator or similar payroll role is required.
• Experience supporting multi-country payroll or working with EMEA payroll providers would be highly desirable.
• Experience handling payroll queries, HMRC submissions, payroll reconciliations, statutory payments, deductions, benefits, expenses, starters, leavers and employee changes is required.

What we offer:

• Private Medical Insurance (PMI).
• Pension scheme.
• Phone allowance.
• Company sick pay.
• Access to wellbeing support services.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and supported. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences and make recruitment decisions based on skills, experience, and business needs.