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- Tasks: Lead payroll processing and compliance while supporting a major HR system upgrade.
- Company: Join the UK's largest water and wastewater company, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and a robust pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and diverse career opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that impacts millions while building a sustainable future.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK payroll and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Payroll SME. This role is responsible for providing expert-level knowledge and guidance on all aspects of payroll processing, compliance, and systems. The Payroll SME will ensure accurate and timely payroll delivery, act as a key resource for complex payroll-related queries and projects as well as support on a project to implement new software.
What you'll be doing as a Payroll SME:
- Supporting the delivery of a major HR and payroll system upgrade, ensuring seamless transition and minimal business disruption.
- Completing the in-house monthly internal payroll activities, adhering to internal and external compliance and controls.
- Working with the wider payroll team to ensure accurate end-to-end payroll processing for employees.
- Provide training to the Payroll HR Coordinators on payroll processes and the wider People Services Team when processes are created or changed.
- Work with internal and external stakeholders to complete a change impact assessment before making improvements.
- Support internal and external audits by providing required payroll data and documentation and answering queries.
- Prioritising and completing incoming work, handling highly confidential information with integrity.
- Ensuring policies and processes are up to date and working with Pay and Benefits Manager to ensure changes affecting payroll are enacted, communicated to the wider team and associated documentation updated.
Base location: Hybrid - Reading. Working hours: 36 hours, Monday to Friday.
What you should bring to the role:
To thrive in this role, the essential criteria you'll need are:
- Extensive experience working in a large UK Payroll team.
- Experience in using payroll systems.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
- Attention to detail and accuracy.
Additional skills and experiences would be great to have/bring:
- Certificate in Payroll Practice.
- Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD) or equivalent professional qualification or HR knowledge.
- BA in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources.
- Experience of Success Factors.
What's in it for you?
- Competitive salary up to 45,000 per annum, depending on experience.
- Annual Leave - 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays).
- Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets.
- Generous Pension Scheme through AON.
- Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family's health and wellbeing, and your finances from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance.
Who are we?
We're the UK's largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive.
Learn more about our purpose and values. Working at Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you'll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits.
If you're looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people's lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we'll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet.
Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.
Why choose us? We're committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process. If you need any adjustments, whether that's extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know, we're here to help and support.
When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you'll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience.
Disclaimer: due to the high volume of applications we receive, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Payroll SME - Reading, Berkshire in Tilehurst employer: Thames Water
Contact Detail:
Thames Water Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll SME - Reading, Berkshire in Tilehurst
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your payroll knowledge and systems. Be ready to discuss your experience with compliance and how you've handled complex payroll queries in the past. Show them you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable talking about your skills and experiences. This will help you articulate your value as a Payroll SME when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll SME - Reading, Berkshire in Tilehurst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll SME role. Highlight your extensive experience in payroll processing and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Experience: In your application, don’t just list your previous jobs. Share specific examples of how you've handled payroll systems and compliance issues. We love seeing real-life applications of your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure you get across your key points without fluff. Let’s keep it professional yet friendly!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Water
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge before the interview. Understand the key processes, compliance requirements, and any recent changes in payroll legislation. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just experienced but also proactive about staying updated.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Payroll SME, you'll need to communicate complex information clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders or trained team members in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to convey important payroll information in an understandable way.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific payroll challenges or projects, especially regarding system upgrades or audits. Think through potential scenarios and how you would approach them, highlighting your problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company's payroll systems or upcoming projects. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.