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 25 days holiday, hybrid working, gym contributions, and private medical insurance.
- 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.
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 EnergyFirst 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.
- Payroll Delivery
- 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.
- Compliance & Governance
- 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.
- Data, Systems & Insight
- 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.
- Quality & Risk Management
- 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.
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- 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.
- Benefits & Pensions
- 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.
- Continuous Improvement
- 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, EV Scheme.
Inclusion and Belonging: 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 in Preston employer: Sustainable Energy First
At Sustainable EnergyFirst, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions sustainability and employee empowerment. As a Payroll Specialist in our Fulwood, Preston office, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, alongside generous benefits such as hybrid working, enhanced leave policies, and opportunities for professional growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a dynamic and innovative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Specialist in Preston
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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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.
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We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Specialist in Preston
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 Sustainable Energy First.
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 Sustainable Energy First'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 Sustainable Energy First
✨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 Sustainable Energy First.
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✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Sustainable Energy First 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 Sustainable Energy First 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.
