Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist Length: 6-Month FTC, with potential for extension or an opportunity afterwards Working Pattern: Hybrid - 2 days in the office, 3 days from home Location: London Salary: paying up to £50,000 Oakleaf Partnership are are partnering with a leading global financial services organisation to recruit a Payroll Specialist on an initial 6-month fixed-term contract. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional to join a friendly, collaborative HR team and take ownership of day-to-day payroll activity across the UK, Ireland and South Africa. You will be working as part of a payroll team supporting approximately 1,000 employees paid monthly, with responsibility for ensuring payroll data is accurate, changes are processed correctly and payroll is signed off on time. Alongside the core payroll responsibilities, there will be plenty of opportunity to get involved in projects, process improvements and wider payroll initiatives, including payrolling benefits and gender pay reporting. What the role is: Supporting the end-to-end delivery of monthly payrolls across the UK, Ireland and South Africa. Reviewing payroll data, reports and changes to ensure accuracy and completeness before payroll is processed. Working closely with the shared service centre and external payroll providers to ensure all payroll changes have been accurately processed. Completing payroll checks, reconciliations and sign-off activities. Managing payroll queries relating to tax, National Insurance, benefits and employee changes. Processing payroll documentation, including P45s and leaver information. Working closely with Finance and other financial stakeholders to ensure payroll and payments are accurate and delivered on time. Using ADP and other payroll systems to support payroll processing and reporting. Working with international teams and providers across different payroll jurisdictions. Supporting international assignee and relocation activity, working alongside external advisers where required. Contribute to payroll projects and continuous improvement initiatives. Supporting the development of gender pay reporting and payrolling benefits. Producing and analysing payroll reports using Excel. Working closely with the wider HR team, including People Partners, HR leadership, Pensions and Benefits colleagues. Providing ad hoc support across payroll and wider HR operations as required. Skills & Experience We are looking for a hands-on Payroll Specialist who can come into the team, quickly understand the processes and confidently take ownership of the day-to-day payroll activity. You will be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities and working with stakeholders across different teams and locations. Strong experience within a UK payroll environment within the financial services sector Experience supporting or managing payrolls for a medium to large employee population. Good understanding of UK payroll legislation, tax and National Insurance. Experience working with international payrolls would be advantageous. Strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to checking payroll data. Excellent Excel skills, with confidence working with large data sets and reports. Experience with ADP or another large payroll system would be beneficial. Comfortable working with shared service centres, payroll bureaus and external providers. Strong communication skills and the ability to build relationships with HR, Finance and wider stakeholders. A proactive, hands-on approach with the ability to get up to speed quickly. Experience with payrolling benefits, gender pay reporting or international assignees would be advantageous but not essential The Team & Environment You will join a friendly and supportive payroll and benefits function within a wider HR team. The environment is fast-paced and corporate, but highly collaborative, with approachable and knowledgeable colleagues. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved in cross-functional projects, new technology and continuous improvement initiatives, making this a role where there is always something new to learn. The organisation offers a flexible hybrid working environment, with an anchor day in the office and flexibility around the remaining working pattern. This is a great opportunity for a payroll professional who wants to join a well-established global organisation, make an immediate impact and gain exposure to international payroll, projects and wider HR initiatives. Please apply with your CV as soon as possible for immediate consideration. TPBN1_UKTJ