Senior Accountant – Payroll

Senior Accountant – Payroll

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Unique Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage payroll processing for UK and USA, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team in a leading finance company with a global reach.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and career development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years of multi-country payroll experience and strong analytical skills.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.

Responsible for managing end-to-end payroll processing for employees across the UK and the USA entities, ensuring timely, accurate and compliant payroll delivery, including financial posting, month-end accounting support & analysis.

Administer end-to-end payroll cycles for UK and USA including gross-to-net calculations, statutory deductions, benefits, and reporting.

Ensure payroll compliance with HMRC (UK) and IRS/State Agencies (USA).

Manage onboarding payroll setup for new hires in consultation with HR including tax codes, pensions, social security setup and regional equivalencies.

Reconcile payroll outputs monthly including variance checks, internal audits, and correcting discrepancies.

Coordinate with third-party payroll vendors and ensure SLAs and data accuracy standards are met in all regions.

Maintain payroll calendar, deadlines, year-end processes (P60s, W2s, etc.) and regional submissions.

Prepare payroll KPIs and performance dashboards for management.

Ensure GDPR compliance and secure handling of sensitive payroll data.

Prepare payroll-related journal entries and accounting postings in the ERP system, including allocation across departments and cost centres.

Coordinate with the Treasury/Finance team to execute salary payments and statutory remittances, and reconcile the bank transactions and resolve discrepancies.

Assist with management reporting and cost analysis related to payroll expenses.

Provide accounting support for employee expense claims and benefits accounting where required.

Knowledge, Skill & Experience

  • Deep understanding of UK PAYE/NIC, pension auto-enrolment, statutory leave pay, HMRC processes.
  • Knowledge of US federal and state payroll law including FICA, FUTA, W-4, state-specific tax variations.
  • Proficiency with multi-country payroll systems (e.g. Sage) & ERP accounting systems (e.g. Microsoft Dynamics).
  • Advanced Excel capabilities including pivot tables, VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, and payroll reconciliation formulas.
  • Experience completing payroll audits and preparing documentation for internal/external auditors.
  • 5+ years multi-country payroll experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business, or related field.

Behaviors

  • High attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Strong understanding of multi-country payroll legislation.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to prioritise workload and meet payroll deadlines.
  • Strong communication skills and stakeholder management.
  • High integrity: Handles sensitive payroll information discreetly and professionally.
  • Ownership mindset: Takes responsibility for accuracy, deadlines, and continuous improvement.
  • Analytical thinking: Identifies anomalies, solves problems proactively, and suggests process improvements.
  • Collaborative: Works closely with HR, Finance, and external providers.

Senior Accountant – Payroll employer: Unique Group

As a Senior Accountant – Payroll at our company, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. We offer competitive benefits, including flexible working arrangements and opportunities for continuous learning, all while fostering a culture of collaboration and integrity. Join us in our UK office, where your expertise in multi-country payroll will be valued and rewarded, making a meaningful impact on our global operations.

Unique Group

Contact Detail:

Unique Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Accountant – Payroll

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and accounting sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of payroll legislation and compliance. We recommend creating a cheat sheet of key terms and concepts related to UK and US payroll laws. This will help you sound confident and knowledgeable when discussing your expertise.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills with real examples! When you get the chance to interview, share specific instances where you’ve successfully managed payroll processes or resolved discrepancies. We love hearing about your achievements, so make sure to highlight them!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for passionate individuals who are ready to take ownership and contribute to our team. So, go ahead and hit that apply button!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Accountant – Payroll

End-to-End Payroll Processing
Gross-to-Net Calculations
Statutory Deductions
Payroll Compliance (HMRC, IRS)
Onboarding Payroll Setup
Payroll Reconciliation
Third-Party Payroll Vendor Coordination

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your multi-country payroll experience and any specific software you’ve used, like Sage or Microsoft Dynamics. We want to see how you fit into our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about payroll and how your background aligns with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your attention to detail and problem-solving skills – we love that!

Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on achievements rather than just duties. Did you streamline a payroll process or improve compliance? Share those wins! We’re all about continuous improvement at StudySmarter.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at Unique Group

Know Your Payroll Legislation

Make sure you brush up on UK PAYE/NIC and US payroll laws before the interview. Being able to discuss specific regulations and how they impact payroll processing will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you truly understand the complexities involved.

Showcase Your Technical Skills

Be prepared to talk about your experience with payroll systems like Sage or ERP systems such as Microsoft Dynamics. Highlight your advanced Excel skills, especially with pivot tables and VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, as these are crucial for the role. Maybe even bring examples of how you've used these tools in past roles.

Demonstrate Attention to Detail

Since this role requires a high level of accuracy, be ready to share examples of how you've ensured precision in your previous payroll tasks. Discuss any audits you've completed or discrepancies you've resolved, as this will illustrate your commitment to detail and compliance.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle payroll discrepancies. Think of specific situations where you had to prioritise workload or manage tight deadlines, and be ready to explain how you navigated those challenges successfully.