Payroll Administrator

An excellent opportunity to join our team at Sumitomo Corporation for an organised and detail-focused Payroll Administrator to build a career in payroll, benefits and HR operations within a professional People Department. The role will support accurate monthly payroll, employee benefits administration and confidential employee data processes, helping to deliver a smooth and compliant employee experience.

SALARY: £35,000 - £48,000 per annum (depending on skills and experience) + Benefits

LOCATION: Hybrid – working from the office in London (EC4V) and from home

JOB TYPE: Full-Time, 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

WORKING HOURS: 35 Hours per Week, Monday to Friday

JOB OVERVIEW

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Payroll Administrator to provide accurate, timely and compliant administrative support across the payroll and benefits lifecycle. Working within the People Department, you will support the Payroll & Benefits Specialist with monthly payroll inputs, benefits enrolments, employee records, payroll queries and compliance administration. This is a great opportunity for someone with previous HR, payroll, benefits or shared services administration experience who wants to develop their career in a regulated financial services environment.

ABOUT US

Sumitomo Corporation Europe Limited (SCEU), as part of Sumitomo Corporation, is one of the world’s largest integrated trading groups. Our purpose is simple yet powerful: enriching lives and the world. We put customers at the heart of everything we do while embracing our responsibility to society. Inclusion is key – everyone is welcome, and everyone is treated fairly and with respect. With a global presence and expertise in a wide variety of industries, we offer candidates a continued career growth in a forward-thinking and innovative environment. We are driving significant sustainable energy projects in the UK, leading the way on climate change and energy. Join us and be part of something that truly matters. We look forward to you joining SCEU, where you will build lasting relationships, develop your skillset and contribute to our 400-year history of success.

WHY JOIN US?

• Stunning views of the River Thames from our newly refurbished London office space with excellent facilities and a welcoming atmosphere
• Contribute to work that supports sustainability, innovation and global responsibility
• Apply early to avoid missing out – successful candidates will hear from us in July/August/September 2026

DUTIES

Your duties as the Payroll Administrator include:

• Payroll Administration: Support the monthly payroll cycle with an outsourced payroll provider, ensuring payroll inputs are submitted accurately and to deadline
• Payroll Data: Collate and validate payroll change data including new starters, leavers, salary changes, bonuses, overtime, allowances and statutory payments
• Employee Records: Maintain accurate payroll records within HR and payroll systems, ensuring data integrity at all times
• Year-End Support: Assist with year-end payroll processes including P60s, P11Ds, PSA submissions and tax year rollover
• Employee Queries: Respond to first-line payroll and benefits queries, escalating more complex issues where required
• HMRC Administration: Support correspondence relating to tax codes, student loans, court orders and attachment of earnings
• Payroll Reconciliation: Reconcile payroll reports and support monthly finance journals in partnership with the Finance team
• Pension Administration: Assist with employer pension contribution processes, including checking calculations and uploading payments to the pension provider platform
• Benefits Administration: Support employee benefits administration including pension, private medical insurance, life assurance, income protection, season ticket loans, cycle-to-work and flexible benefits
• Compliance and Controls: Maintain audit-ready records and ensure payroll and benefits activities comply with UK employment law, HMRC regulations, GDPR and internal policies
• Process Improvement: Contribute to process improvements, standard operating procedures and wider People Department projects as required

CANDIDATE REQUIREMENTS

ESSENTIAL

• Previous administrative experience within an HR, payroll, benefits or shared services function, including internships or placements
• Working knowledge of UK payroll principles, PAYE, National Insurance and statutory payments
• Strong numerical accuracy and excellent attention to detail
• Good Microsoft Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables, with wider MS Office proficiency
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll and benefits information clearly
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Professional and discreet approach to handling confidential employee data
• Good understanding of GDPR principles and HR data handling requirements
• Customer-focused, proactive and solutions-led approach
• Willingness to learn, develop analytical skills and contribute to process improvement

DESIRABLE

• Experience working in financial services or another regulated industry
• Exposure to outsourced payroll providers such as Moorepay, ADP or SD Worx
• Familiarity with HR systems such as SuccessFactors and case management tools such as ServiceNow
• Working towards or interested in pursuing a CIPP qualification
• Understanding of salary sacrifice arrangements and flexible benefits schemes

BENEFITS

• 25 days annual leave + flexible working hours
• Flexi time credits for hours worked beyond 35 hours per week, with line manager approval
• Working Away - Up to 20 calendar days to work from any location either in the country you work in or overseas
• Life assurance, pension scheme, bonus scheme
• Dental Insurance
• Free annual health check
• Free onsite gym with pool and classes
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Training and development tailored to your goals

HOW TO APPLY

To be considered for this job vacancy, please submit your CV to our Recruitment Team who will review your details.