At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage end-to-end payroll processing and ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation.
- Company: Join a sustainable energy consultancy committed to making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture where every voice is valued.
- Why this job: Be at the heart of payroll operations and help shape a positive employee experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll processing and strong attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 35000 £ per year.
Our purpose is inspiring and empowering our people to create a positive difference for themselves, our clients, and the planet. Sustainable Energy First is an energy and sustainability consultancy, founded to solve energy management problems in very large, complex commercial estates. This remains the core of our business driven by a commitment to sustainability and the goal of reducing our clients’ carbon footprint.
Join SE First as a Payroll Specialist and take ownership of delivering seamless, end-to-end payroll across a dynamic and growing organisation. This role is at the heart of ensuring accuracy, compliance, and data integrity, while introducing strong controls that reduce risk and elevate payroll operations. With increasing scale and complexity, you’ll play a key role in shaping a consistent, auditable process and delivering an outstanding experience for every employee.
Requirements- Take full ownership of end-to-end payroll processing across multiple payroll cycles
- Ensure all payroll inputs are accurate, approved, and delivered on time
- Manage complex calculations including salary changes, bonuses, commissions, statutory payments, and deductions
- Oversee all employee lifecycle changes, including starters, leavers, and amendments
- Lead year-end processes, ensuring accurate delivery of P60s, P11Ds, and benefit reporting
- Champion compliance with UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, NIC, and statutory requirements (SSP, SMP, SPP, etc.)
- Own all HMRC reporting (RTI submissions, FPS/EPS), ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Maintain audit-ready processes with clear documentation and strong controls
- Stay ahead of legislative changes, embedding best practice across payroll operations
- Support internal and external audits with confidence and precision
- Maintain high-quality payroll data across HRIS (HiBob) and payroll systems
- Reconcile payroll with People and Finance data, ensuring consistency and accuracy
- Proactively identify and resolve discrepancies
- Deliver reliable payroll data to support finance reporting and people insights
- Perform rigorous end-to-end payroll checks before final sign-off
- Embed and maintain strong controls to drive accuracy and minimise risk
- Quickly investigate and resolve payroll queries and issues
- Ensure consistent oversight across the payroll cycle to protect business operations
- Act as the go-to expert for payroll queries, providing clear and timely guidance
- Build strong relationships with employees, managers, and key stakeholders
- Manage external payroll providers, ensuring high service standards and accuracy
- Collaborate closely with People Operations and Finance teams
- Manage pension contributions and ensure compliance with auto-enrolment requirements
- Support payroll-related benefits administration, including salary sacrifice schemes
- Reconcile deductions, manage third-party payments, and ensure accurate reporting
- Identify opportunities to enhance payroll efficiency, accuracy, and experience
- Support system improvements and HRIS/payroll integration initiatives
- Contribute to wider People Operations improvement projects
- Play an active role in key initiatives such as system implementations, TUPE transfers, and policy changes
- Salary: £35,000
- Holidays: 25 days + bank holidays + your birthday off, increasing to 30 days on length of service
- Hybrid working (at least 2 days per week working from our Fulwood, Preston office)
- Flexible working - including the ability to bank up to 5 extra days off per year
- Gym contribution
- Long service awards
- Private Medical Insurance
- Enhanced paternity/non-pregnant colleague and maternity/pregnant colleague leave
- Simply Health scheme
We believe that diversity is more than a commitment, it’s at the heart of who we are. We aim to create an environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We celebrate different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences because we know they make us stronger, bolder, and more imaginative, which link to our core values. By fostering a culture of belonging, we aim to provide a workplace where every voice is heard, and every individual can thrive. Our culture has been set up to bring the best out of our people. If we sound like the kind of business where you’re ready to take the next step, then we look forward to hearing from you!
Payroll Specialist employer: Sustainable Energy First
At Sustainable Energy First, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions sustainability and employee well-being. Our Fulwood, Preston office offers a vibrant work culture with flexible hybrid working options, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring every team member feels valued and empowered. As a Payroll Specialist, you'll not only play a crucial role in our operations but also benefit from continuous growth opportunities and a supportive environment that fosters innovation and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Specialist
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Sustainable Energy First!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Sustainable Energy First.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Specialist
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 Sustainable Energy First. 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 Sustainable Energy First 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 Sustainable Energy First. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Sustainable Energy First'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 Sustainable Energy First
✨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 Sustainable Energy First.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Sustainable Energy First 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 Sustainable Energy First and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
