Payroll Specialist in Reading

Payroll Specialist

Location: Reading, UK (Hybrid – 3 days per week on-site)

Employment Type: Full-time

About the Role

We are seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage end-to-end payroll operations for approximately 150 employees across multiple countries. This role will be primarily responsible for UK payroll processing and administration, while coordinating with external payroll providers for our small employee populations in the US and New Zealand. You'll play a critical role in ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery while partnering closely with HR and Finance teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Payroll Processing & Administration

• Manage complete monthly payroll cycles for circa 150 employees, ensuring 100% accuracy and on-time delivery
• Collate and validate variable payroll data from multiple sources, performing reasonable checks to ensure accuracy and proper approvals
• Coordinate with external payroll providers for US and New Zealand employees, reviewing calculations and resolving discrepancies
• Process statutory payments including SSP, SMP, SPP, and SAP in accordance with HMRC requirements
• Administer bonus, commission, and benefits payments, maintaining accurate monthly and quarterly accruals

Reconciliation & Compliance

• Validate and reconcile payroll outputs, including taxation, statutory deductions, and benefits administration
• Prepare monthly payroll journals and ensure timely, accurate uploads to Finance
• Maintain compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC regulations, and country-specific requirements for international employees
• Manage RTI submissions and ensure all statutory reporting obligations are met
• Conduct quarterly audits of payroll data and maintain proper documentation for audit purposes

Systems & Data Management

• Perform data integrity checks between payroll and HR systems, ensuring accuracy and consistency
• Maintain employee payroll records with proper setup of tax codes, benefits, allowances, and deductions
• Manage payroll inbox and respond to employee queries professionally and promptly

HR Support

• Provide ad-hoc HR administrative support for starters and leavers processes as required
• Collaborate closely with the HR team to ensure processing accuracy and seamless data flow

What We Need From You:

Essential Requirements

• Minimum 2 years proven experience in payroll administration, preferably within a global or SaaS environment
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, and tax regulations
• Experience coordinating with external payroll providers or bureaus
• Advanced Excel skills and proficiency with payroll software systems
• Exceptional attention to detail and numerical accuracy
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities

Desirable Requirements

• Experience managing multi-country payrolls (US, New Zealand, or other jurisdictions)
• Familiarity with pension enrolment and statutory reporting
• Knowledge of GDPR regulations as they relate to payroll data
• CIPP qualification or working towards professional payroll certification

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication skills to engage with employees, external providers, and stakeholders at all levels
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism
• Strong process-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
• Team player who can also work independently and take ownership of responsibilities
• Calm under pressure with the ability to adapt to changing priorities

What We Offer

• Hybrid working arrangement with 3 days per week in our Reading office
• Opportunity to work with a global SaaS software provider
• Collaborative environment with exposure to international payroll operations
• Professional development and growth opportunities