Payroll Specialist

About the Role

Join a global technology firm specializing in cloud infrastructure, enterprise software, database solutions, and AI-driven business applications as a Payroll Specialist. You'll be responsible for managing comprehensive UK payroll cycles, ensuring timely and accurate salary processing while complying with legal requirements. Your role involves close coordination with HR, Finance, and employees to maintain smooth payroll operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Administer payroll processing for the UK within the EMEA region monthly.
• Verify payroll data inputs shared by HR and business units.
• Assess payroll figures including deductions, taxes, and statutory contributions.
• Meet all payroll deadlines across pay cycles consistently.
• Perform reconciliation of payroll reports to ensure accuracy.
• Assist with month-end and year-end payroll tasks.
• Compile statutory filings and reports to maintain compliance.
• Address payroll discrepancies and respond to employee inquiries.
• Maintain comprehensive payroll records, standard procedures, and audit documentation.
• Engage in testing payroll systems for legislative updates and organizational releases.
• Collaborate with internal and external auditors by providing necessary payroll documentation.

Candidate Expectations

• Proven experience processing UK payroll accurately.
• Understanding of UK payroll laws, tax regulations, and statutory obligations.
• Familiarity with Client Fusion Cloud Payroll, Client HCM Cloud, or Client E-Business Suite Payroll systems.
• A degree in Finance, Human Resources, Business, or Accounting is preferred.
• CIPP certification or comparable payroll qualification is advantageous.
• Experience with ERP tools such as Client Fusion HCM.

Core Competencies

• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to confidentiality.
• Efficient time management and customer-focused approach.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving skills.
• Effective collaboration and teamwork orientation.
• Ability to perform under strict payroll deadlines and pursue continuous process improvements.

Technical Knowledge

• Expertise in payroll reconciliations and General Ledger interfaces.
• Strong understanding of payroll reporting and employee lifecycle transactions.
• Handling benefits and pension deductions.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel including PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP, and formulas.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• Between 2 to 5 years of payroll experience, preferably within UK EMEA contexts.
• Experience managing outsourced payroll vendors and supporting multi-country payroll operations.
• Knowledge of SOX controls, payroll compliance standards, and internal audit processes.
• Participation in payroll transformation or cloud implementation projects is a plus.

Additional Information

• Work Location: Reading, UK with hybrid work model requiring at least one day weekly presence onsite; occasional increased on-site attendance at assignment start may be necessary.
• Contract Duration: 12 months with possibility for extension.
• Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week.
• Salary: £21.03 hourly rate.
• Fully remote candidates may be considered if they match role criteria strongly.