Payroll Specialist in London

Payroll Specialist in London

London Full-Time 30000 - 30044 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage end-to-end payroll for pension customers and resolve complex tax queries.
  • Company: Join Standard Life, a trusted retirement specialist with over 200 years of experience.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, career growth opportunities, and a collaborative environment.
  • Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming applications from all backgrounds.
  • Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while deepening your expertise in payroll and pensions.
  • Qualifications: Experience in payroll processing and understanding of Irish payroll taxes.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30044 £ per year.

We’re looking for an experienced Payroll Specialist to join our Customer Payroll team in Dublin. If you enjoy taking ownership of end-to-end payroll, solving complex tax queries, and working in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment, this role offers a real opportunity to deepen your expertise in pension payroll while making a meaningful impact for our customers.

In this role, you’ll be part of a specialist team delivering accurate and timely payroll services for pre- and post-retirement customers, playing a key role in maintaining trust at important life stages.

As a Payroll Specialist, you’ll take ownership of the end-to-end payroll process for pension, annuity, and ARF customers, ensuring payments are delivered accurately, compliantly, and on time. You’ll act as a subject matter expert in payroll tax and processes, working closely with internal teams, advisers, and finance colleagues to resolve queries, improve processes, and support key projects.

What you’ll be doing:

  • Managing the full payroll lifecycle, from data collection through to payment and reporting
  • Ensuring compliance with Revenue requirements, including Payroll Submissions and RPN processing
  • Handling PAYE tax queries and providing expert guidance to internal stakeholders and advisers
  • Performing manual tax calculations and supporting payroll reconciliation with Finance
  • Driving continuous improvement by reviewing processes and identifying efficiencies
  • Supporting key annual and project-based payroll activities (e.g. imputed distribution)
  • Sharing knowledge through training and cross-team collaboration

What are we looking for?

We’re focused on finding someone who can add real value-so if you meet most of the below, we’d love to hear from you:

  • Strong experience in end-to-end payroll processing, ideally in a regulated or financial services environment
  • Solid understanding of Irish payroll taxes (PAYE, USC, PRSI) and Revenue processes
  • Experience handling complex payroll queries and working with multiple stakeholders
  • Comfortable using Excel and payroll systems to manage data accurately
  • A proactive mindset with the ability to identify improvements and solve problems under pressure

Nice to have but not essential:

  • Knowledge of pensions, ARFs, or annuity products
  • IPASS qualification
  • QFA qualification (or working towards it)

Why join us?

  • Opportunity to build deep expertise in pension payroll within a specialist team
  • Exposure to complex tax scenarios and high-impact customer outcomes
  • A collaborative environment where your ideas on process improvement are valued
  • Flexibility and support to grow your career within a FTSE 100 organisation

We want to hire the whole version of you. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If your experience looks a little different from what we’ve outlined, but you believe you can bring value, we’d love to hear from you. If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can support you. We value diversity in our workforce and welcome enquiries from everyone.

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Contact Details:

Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Payroll Specialist in London

Tap into Campus Networks

If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.

Get Certified

Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.

Connect on Professional Platforms

Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.

Apply Directly and Be Proactive

Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group). Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.

We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Specialist in London

End-to-End Payroll Processing
Irish Payroll Taxes (PAYE, USC, PRSI)
Revenue Compliance
Complex Payroll Query Resolution
Stakeholder Management
Excel Proficiency
Payroll Systems Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group).

Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.

Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)'s website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group)

Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills

Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group).

Prepare for Case Studies

Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.

Show Your Passion for Finance

Since this is a full-time position, employers at Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.

Network with Industry Professionals

Before your interview, reach out to current or former Standard Life (previously Phoenix Group) employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.