Payroll Accountant

The Payroll Accountant will be responsible for managing and processing payroll operations across multiple European and international regions, ensuring accurate and timely payments in compliance with local legislation. This role requires strong analytical, administrative, and communication skills, as well as experience with multi-country payroll systems and processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all payrolls and related activities to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time across UK, Netherlands, Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, South Africa, and Ireland.
• Supervise and process company payrolls through external payroll providers, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Update payroll systems (e.g., ADP) and European providers with details of new starters, leavers, bonuses, commissions, overtime, and other variable data.
• Track employee absences and assist with holiday balance inquiries.
• Ensure compliance with local tax, pension, and statutory reporting requirements (HMRC, Pension Providers, Child Support Agencies, etc.).
• Liaise with payroll and pension vendors, and address queries from local tax authorities.
• Set up and manage various UK and international pension schemes, including salary sacrifice, net pay, and relief at source, ensuring compliance with auto-enrolment legislation.
• Support pension-related queries and updates for UK and European payrolls.
• Collaborate with the Global Benefits Team to implement and administer employee reward and benefit schemes (e.g., Childcare Vouchers, PMI, Life Assurance, Cycle to Work, Referrals, etc.).
• Obtain necessary approvals from accountants for payroll commitments and payment vouchers.
• Manage year-end processes for UK payroll, including P60s, P11d(b), and PSA submissions.
• Provide and upload share option data to HMRC annually.
• Create and post payroll journals into the Oracle Accounting System.
• Support HR and Finance teams with payroll-related data requests.
• Assist in preparing documentation and responses for internal and external audits.
• Continuously review and improve payroll procedures to ensure compliance with SOX and external audit requirements.
• Respond to employee inquiries regarding payroll, payments, or related issues promptly and professionally.

Requirements and Qualifications

• Proven experience in multi-country payroll management.
• Proficiency with payroll processing software, ideally ADP-IHCM2.
• Strong understanding of UK employment laws and labour regulations.
• High attention to detail and strong numerical and administrative skills.
• Excellent Excel proficiency and general computer literacy.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a customer-service mindset.
• Strong organisational and time management abilities.
• Capability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Ability to remain calm and efficient under pressure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience working within a multinational organization.
• Knowledge of Oracle and international payroll compliance frameworks.
• Familiarity with SOX or other audit compliance standards.

Location: London or Guildford, UK (Hybrid - 2 days in office / 3 days remote)

Contract Type: 6-12 months contract with possibility to go permanent

Department: Finance / HR

Reports to: Finance Manager or Payroll Manager