Payroll Specialist

My client is an international professional services firm that prides itself on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. They are seeking a Payroll Specialist to join their team. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing end-to-end payroll processes across the UK and international entities.

• Manage the preparation and processing of UK and international payrolls (both in-house and outsourced).
• Provide accurate payroll data to external payroll vendors within agreed deadlines.
• Calculate complex international payments, deductions, and pro‑rata amounts.
• Liaise with payroll vendors, responding to queries and ensuring accurate processing.
• Review and verify payroll inputs and reports prior to sign‑off.
• Prepare monthly payroll sign‑off analysis for senior management.
• Maintain the payroll inbox and ensure timely responses to employee queries.
• Prepare and submit pension contributions and third‑party payments (e.g. tax authorities, benefit providers).
• Reconcile payroll‑related accounts and benefit balances (e.g. loans, season tickets, cycle‑to‑work schemes).
• Produce payroll analysis and reports as required.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and third‑party providers.
• Ensure all payroll processes comply with company policies and statutory requirements.
• Support the implementation of a new payroll solution, including data migration, process design, and testing.
• Assist with ongoing payroll and process improvement projects.

• Payroll experience within professional services or a similar environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK PAYE and statutory payroll regulations.
• Experience managing international payrolls is desirable.
• Ability to perform manual gross‑to‑net calculations and understand UK tax and benefit implications.
• Strong understanding of UK parental leave and statutory payment rules.
• Advanced Excel skills for complex payroll analysis and reconciliation.
• Experience managing both in‑house and outsourced payrolls.
• Excellent understanding of UK benefits and pensions administration via payroll.
• Confident in identifying and implementing process improvements.

Associate

Full‑time

Human Resources

Professional Services

Location:

Manchester Area, United Kingdom