Payroll Specialist

Our client is seeking a meticulous and experienced Payroll Specialist to oversee UK payroll operations across two sites.

This role plays a critical part in ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time, while maintaining full compliance with HMRC regulations and statutory requirements. You will also support the integration of a new payroll and HR system, contributing to process improvement and data accuracy.

Payroll Specialist - Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing (weekly and monthly), including gross-to-net calculations, overtime, and bonus payments
• Ensure full compliance with HMRC regulations, including RTI submissions (FPS and EPS)
• Administer statutory payments such as SSP, SMP, and SPP in line with current legislation
• Oversee workplace pension auto-enrolment, including assessments, opt-outs, and contributions
• Lead year-end payroll processes, including P60 distribution, P45 processing, and P11D reporting
• Handle payroll deductions including student loans, AEOs, and salary sacrifice schemes
• Act as the main point of contact for payroll-related employee queries
• Support payroll and HR system integration, including migration into Moorepay
• Maintain organisational structure data within the system
• Generate regular and ad hoc HR reports (e.g. absence, headcount, holidays)
• Collaborate with HR and Finance teams to ensure seamless service delivery
• Occasional travel to other sites, including Banbury (Oxfordshire) and Spalding (Lincolshire)

Candidate Profile

Essential:

• Proven experience managing end-to-end UK payroll
• Strong understanding of HR data structures and payroll processes
• In-depth knowledge of UK tax, National Insurance, and National Minimum Wage compliance
• Advanced Excel skills (e.g. VLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables)
• Excellent organisational and communication skills
• Experience working collaboratively with HR and Finance teams
• High level of discretion and understanding of UK GDPR

Desirable:

• Experience supporting payroll system implementations or integrations
• CIPP qualification (Level 3 or 4)
• Familiarity with payroll systems such as Moorepay, Access, or Greentree

Key Competencies:

• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset
• Strong stakeholder management skills
• Confidentiality and integrity
• Ability to manage multiple priorities effectively
• Process-driven and methodical approach

Benefits aligned to the Payroll Specialist role:

• Private medical insurance (post-probation, includes family cover)
• Life insurance (4x salary)
• Contributory pension schemes (up to 8% employer contribution)
• Long-term sickness support (after 13 weeks, subject to eligibility)
• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Flexible working hours (full-time or part-time options available)