Job Title: Senior Payroll Specialist

Role Overview

The Senior Payroll Specialist is responsible for managing and processing payroll across multiple entities within the organisation. This role involves overseeing the payroll team’s workload to ensure accurate, efficient, and compliant payroll operations while driving process improvements and maintaining high standards of service delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and execute the processing of both weekly and monthly payroll for multiple business units within the group.
• Coordinate and manage the payroll team’s workload to ensure all payroll activities are completed accurately and within set deadlines.
• Lead initiatives to review and enhance payroll systems, controls, and workflows, identifying areas for streamlining and cost efficiency.
• Work closely with HR leadership to implement standardized payroll processes across the organization.
• Ensure timely completion of key annual payroll-related tasks, including salary reviews, leave entitlement calculations, life assurance and health cash plan renewals, PAYE settlements, and P11D submissions.
• Support payroll integrations for newly acquired businesses and oversee payroll setup during organizational changes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for external payroll providers, pension administrators, insurance brokers, and other third-party vendors, addressing escalated concerns and resolving queries.
• Manage the payroll inbox, ensuring that all employee queries are addressed promptly and effectively.
• Provide payroll reports to finance teams to facilitate month-end reconciliation and reporting processes.
• Supply payroll-related data to external auditors and insurance providers as required.
• Oversee employer obligations related to pension contributions and statutory entitlements such as sick pay, maternity pay, and parental leave.
• Collaborate with payroll and HR teams to ensure seamless administration of employee lifecycle events, including onboarding, terminations, statutory leaves, and annual leave tracking.
• Ensure accuracy in time and attendance system records, including absence management, shift scheduling, and leave entitlements.
• Generate and analyze monthly workforce reports, providing insights on payroll trends and workforce changes.
• Oversee payroll system updates and modifications while ensuring compliance with relevant payroll legislation.
• Contribute to strategic payroll projects aligned with broader HR objectives.
• Undertake any additional tasks as directed by management to support operational needs.

Person Specification Essential Criteria

• Minimum of two years experience in a supervisory role within payroll operations in a medium to large organization.
• Strong knowledge of employer payroll obligations, compliance requirements, and pension administration.
• Experience with payroll, HR, and time management systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and general computer literacy.

Desirable Criteria

• Previous experience using payroll software.
• Familiarity with employment law and payroll-related legislation.
• Experience working in a manufacturing or FMCG environment.
• Knowledge of PAMS, North Time Data, or Workflow Infinity systems.

Key Competencies

• Strong attention to confidentiality and data security.
• Professional approach with excellent planning, organizational, and time management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication abilities, including report preparation and presentations.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Adaptability to dynamic and fast-paced working environments.
• Strong analytical skills for payroll data reporting and trend analysis.

Other Requirements

• Flexible and cooperative approach to work.
• Self-motivated with a proactive mindset.

This role description provides an outline of responsibilities and expectations but may be subject to future adjustments based on business needs.