At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll for 700 employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with UK legislation.
- Company: Join Sanofi, a leader in simplifying people processes with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a Disability Confident Employer committed to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on employee experience while driving continuous improvement in payroll.
- Qualifications: Proven payroll expertise and strong analytical skills required; HR or Finance background preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Manage end-to-end UK payroll operations for approximately 700 employees across 2 entities with monthly cycles, ensuring 99.5% accuracy, on-time processing, and full compliance with UK legislation, GDPR, and company policies.
- Oversee the outsourced payroll provider relationship (Strada), preparing and reviewing payroll data, monitoring KPIs, validating calculations, and escalating operational issues to ensure seamless delivery.
- Process compensation and benefits including salary changes, bonuses, pension administration and reporting, benefit deductions, share scheme processing, and expatriate/immigrant payroll for international mobility.
- Deliver accurate and timely reporting to third-party administrators (pensions, share schemes), Finance, and business stakeholders, including ad-hoc reports and statutory returns.
- Provide Level 2 payroll support by responding to queries via ServiceNow within agreed SLAs, maintaining the Knowledge Database, and resolving issues in a professional and timely manner.
- Lead audit preparation and compliance activities, including payroll control checklists, control evidence documentation, sign-off processes, and responding to internal and external audit requests.
- Maintain payroll documentation and governance, ensuring all policies, SOPs, change requests, and control evidence are current and stored appropriately on SharePoint.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, staying current with UK payroll legislation, monitoring and refining processes to meet statutory requirements while supporting corporate projects and the Global Core Model.
Qualifications
- Proven UK payroll expertise with a thorough understanding of payroll processes, UK legislation, and compliance requirements (GDPR); Ireland payroll knowledge is a plus.
- Relevant qualification and experience: Graduate/Master's degree in Finance, HR, or Business Administration, or CIPP qualification (or working towards it), with hands-on payroll experience ideally in an international, multicultural environment.
- Strong technical proficiency with payroll/HRIS systems (Workday experience advantageous) and advanced Excel skills to manage data, reporting, and analysis effectively.
- Excellent problem-solving and analytical abilities to address operational issues, interpret complex payroll data, and drive resolution in a timely and effective manner.
- Detail-oriented and precise with the ability to organize, prioritize, and structure tasks to meet tight deadlines while maintaining 99.5%+ accuracy standards.
- Collaborative team player who works effectively across teams (People Services, Finance, P&C, Legal) and with external providers, bringing an end-to-end mindset to service delivery.
- Professional communicator able to interact confidently with internal and external stakeholders, providing clear support and building strong working relationships.
- Action-oriented and change-ready, with a delivery-driven approach and enthusiasm for continuous improvement initiatives within the payroll function.
About the Role
As a Payroll Specialist within Sanofi Business Operations, People Services team, you will manage the complete payroll lifecycle for approximately 700 employees across two UK entities, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and on-time processing while supporting our global mission to simplify and harmonize people processes. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams including Finance, P&C, and Legal, taking ownership of compensation and benefits processing, continuous improvement initiatives, and delivering exceptional support that directly impacts our employee experience.
Disability Confidence
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to offering interviews to candidates who request consideration under the Scheme and meet the minimum requirements for this role. If you have a disability and require adjustments for the interview process, please email us at diversity.recruitmentUKIE@sanofi.com. We are dedicated to ensuring an inclusive and supportive experience for all applicants.
Payroll Specialist in Reading employer: Sanofi-aventis Groupe
Sanofi is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a collaborative and inclusive work culture. As a Payroll Specialist, you will benefit from working in a dynamic environment that values accuracy and compliance while offering opportunities for continuous improvement and professional advancement. Located in the UK, Sanofi fosters a supportive atmosphere where your contributions directly enhance the employee experience, making it a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Specialist in Reading
✨Join HR Networks
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We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Specialist in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Sanofi-aventis Groupe. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Sanofi-aventis Groupe and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Sanofi-aventis Groupe. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Sanofi-aventis Groupe's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanofi-aventis Groupe
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Sanofi-aventis Groupe.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
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A full-time HR role at Sanofi-aventis Groupe will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Sanofi-aventis Groupe and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
