At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the payroll process, ensuring accuracy and timeliness for 500 employees.
- Company: Join Science Group plc, a leading international science and technology consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits package, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for process improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing payroll for a diverse multinational workforce.
- Qualifications: 3 years of UK payroll experience and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Science Group plc is an international science and technology consultancy and systems organisation operating at the cutting edge of science and technology innovation. The core business is providing technical/scientific advisory, product development and regulatory services to the Industrial, Defence & Aerospace, Medical and Consumer (including Food & Beverage) sectors.
The opportunity is for an In-House Payroll Officer. There are 500 employees across the Group, most of whom are UK-based, although there will be input and oversight required of EU and US payrolls. The successful candidate will have complete ownership of the payroll process and will liaise with Finance and HR when required. The role will be based at our Harston or Epsom office.
Key Responsibilities:- Manage and be accountable for the accurate and timely delivery of the monthly UK payroll managing the relationship with our external payroll provider.
- Collect and summarise inputs which are then passed to the external payroll provider.
- Receive reports back and collate into various review spreadsheets through pivot tables.
- Compare and review the data to previous months, identifying and resolving any discrepancies.
- Lead a payroll review meeting with Senior Finance Managers and HR to run through payroll changes.
- Liaise directly with employees on various payroll questions.
- Maintain payroll operations by following policies and procedures.
- Be proactive and transparent in raising errors to the correct individuals and driving solutions.
- Manage other payroll providers in EU (Germany, Spain & Republic of Ireland) and the US.
- Respond to employee payroll queries and escalate to HR when necessary.
- Manage and complete adhoc payroll processes (such as out of payroll payments).
- Develop ad hoc financial and operational reporting as needed.
- Assist the wider Finance team outside of peak payroll activity.
- Great attention to detail, a solid grasp of mathematics, alongside excellent organisational and communication skills.
- A high degree of professionalism and discretion as sensitive information will be handled.
- Capable of working effectively and efficiently under pressure in a fast-moving environment, being resilient and proactive.
- Open to identifying process improvements by being solution orientated.
- 3 Years UK payroll experience with 150+ employees.
- Demonstrates previous experience processing high volume monthly payroll.
- Good understanding of the UK PAYE legislation and how to calculate deductions such as overpayments, maternity, sickness payments, tax and NI.
- Experience using various calculation methods needed within payroll (i.e. pro-rating holiday, pro-rating salaries, sick pay, pensions and bonuses).
- An analytical approach to resolving problems and finding effective solutions.
- Advanced skills with Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables).
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
Payroll Officer in Northampton employer: SAGENTIA
Science Group plc is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at the forefront of science and technology innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, alongside a competitive salary and benefits package. Our collaborative culture fosters teamwork and encourages proactive problem-solving, making our Harston and Epsom offices an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in payroll management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Officer in Northampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Payroll Officer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK PAYE legislation and payroll processes. Be ready to discuss your experience with high-volume payrolls and how you’ve tackled discrepancies in the past. Show them you’re the solution-oriented candidate they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings at Science Group plc and tailor your approach to highlight how your skills can benefit their payroll operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Use this opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and remind them why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Officer in Northampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in UK payroll and any specific software you've used. 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 background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail:Since this role requires a keen eye for detail, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take the time to double-check their work – it shows professionalism!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about us!
How to prepare for a job interview at SAGENTIA
✨Know Your Payroll Basics
Make sure you brush up on your UK PAYE legislation and payroll processes before the interview. Being able to discuss how you handle deductions, maternity pay, and other payroll specifics will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also ready to take ownership of it.
✨Show Off Your Excel Skills
Since advanced Excel skills are a must for this position, be prepared to talk about your experience with pivot tables and data analysis. You might even want to bring examples of reports you've created or issues you've solved using Excel to demonstrate your capabilities.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle discrepancies in payroll or manage tight deadlines. Think through some scenarios where you had to resolve issues or improve processes in your previous roles, as this will highlight your problem-solving skills and proactive approach.
✨Communicate Clearly and Professionally
As you'll be liaising with both HR and Finance, showcasing your communication skills is key. Practice explaining complex payroll concepts in simple terms, and be ready to discuss how you handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.