At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll and benefits across multiple countries, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Company: Join a global leader in HR operations with a focus on employee experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in employees' lives by managing their payroll and benefits.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll administration and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Role
To support the delivery of accurate, compliant, and timely payroll and benefits administration across multiple countries. The role ensures adherence to local payroll regulations and global governance standards, working with in-country providers, internal stakeholders, and third-party vendors to deliver a seamless employee experience.
Location: Ipswich (Hybrid)
Reporting Line: Head of HR Operations
Key Responsibilities
- Payroll Administration
- Support end-to-end payroll processing across multiple jurisdictions (UK, EMEA, APAC, Americas as applicable)
- Coordinate with in-country payroll providers/vendors to ensure timely and accurate payroll delivery
- Collate, validate, and submit payroll inputs including:
- Starters, leavers, and employee lifecycle changes
- Compensation changes, allowances, bonuses, and commissions
- Absence and statutory payments in line with local legislation
- Review and validate payroll outputs, reconciliations, and reports across regions
- Ensure compliance with local tax, social security, and employment regulations
- Support global payroll calendar management and governance processes
- Assist with year-end activities (e.g., local filings, tax returns, employee reporting)
- Benefits Administration
- Administer and coordinate employee benefits programmes across multiple countries, including:
- Pension and retirement schemes
- Private medical and insurance benefits
- Life assurance and income protection
- Regional or country-specific benefits
- Partner with brokers and vendors, and manage enrolments, renewals, and changes
- Track eligibility, participation and costs across global benefits programmes
- Ensure compliance with local legislation and global benefits strategy
- Support the communication and rollout of new benefits to employees, ensuring clarity, accuracy and a positive employee experience
- Vendor & Stakeholder Management
- Act as a key contact for global payroll providers and benefits vendors
- Build strong relationships with Finance, HR Business Partners, and local market teams
- Support issue resolution and escalation management across regions
- Participate in vendor performance reviews and continuous improvement initiatives
- Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure adherence to global controls, SOX (if applicable), GDPR, and local regulatory requirements
- Maintain accurate payroll and benefits records across systems
- Support internal and external audits across multiple jurisdictions
- Produce global and regional payroll & benefits reporting, including headcount, costs, and variances
- Employee Support
- Provide first-line support for global payroll and benefits queries
- Respond to employee queries across regions in a timely and professional manner
- Support employees in understanding payslips, deductions, and benefits offerings
- Systems, Projects & Process Improvement
- Maintain data integrity across HRIS and payroll platforms (e.g., Workday)
- Support system implementations, upgrades, and global payroll/benefits projects
- Identify and drive standardisation, automation, and process improvement initiatives
- Contribute to global payroll and benefits policies, procedures, and documentation
- Support the communication and rollout of new benefits to employees, ensuring clarity, accuracy and a positive employee experience
About You
- Experience in payroll administration across multiple countries or regions
- Understanding of global payroll concepts and local compliance requirements
- Experience administering employee benefits across more than one geography
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience working with global payroll vendors (e.g., CloudPay)
- Knowledge of UK payroll (HMRC) plus exposure to additional jurisdictions
- Experience with global HRIS platforms (e.g., Workday)
- CIPP qualification or equivalent (or working towards)
We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, colour, religion, age, gender, gender expression, national origin, veteran status, disability, orientation, or any other legally protected categories. If you have a need that requires accommodation, please email us at talentacquisition@willisre.com
Payroll and Benefits Administrator in Ipswich employer: Willis Re
As a Payroll and Benefits Administrator at our Ipswich location, you will join a dynamic team dedicated to delivering exceptional payroll and benefits services across multiple countries. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values employee growth, offering opportunities for professional development and continuous improvement. With a hybrid working model and a commitment to compliance and employee satisfaction, we ensure a rewarding and meaningful experience for all our staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll and Benefits Administrator in Ipswich
✨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 Willis Re!
✨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 Willis Re.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll and Benefits Administrator in Ipswich
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 Willis Re. 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 Willis Re 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 Willis Re. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Willis Re'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 Willis Re
✨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 Willis Re.
✨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 Willis Re 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 Willis Re and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.