Payroll Specialist

Are you an experienced payroll professional with a strong eye for detail? Do you enjoy working with complex payroll calculations, legislation, and stakeholder queries? Our client is seeking a knowledgeable and proactive Payroll Specialist to join their People & Culture team. This is a specialist lead role, working closely with the Payroll and Pensions Manager to ensure the accurate and compliant delivery of payroll and pensions services, while supporting continuous improvement across systems and processes. The ideal candidate will bring strong technical payroll knowledge, excellent organisational skills, and a collaborative approach, thriving in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment. Key Responsibilities: Plan, manage, and process payroll to ensure accurate and timely payment of staff, including complex calculations. Oversee payroll records, including starters, leavers, and pension data, ensuring data integrity and confidentiality. Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, tax regulations, pensions, and statutory payments. Identify and mitigate compliance risks, escalating complex or high-risk issues where appropriate. Act as a key point of contact for payroll and pensions queries, providing expert advice to staff and managers. Support training, induction, and knowledge-sharing activities across the organisation. Build effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and external bodies. Lead and contribute to payroll improvement initiatives and system developments. Review and enhance payroll processes to improve efficiency, accuracy, and service delivery. Key Skills & Experience: Significant experience working in a busy payroll environment Demonstrable experience using payroll systems - SAGE Payroll System would be desirable Hold or be willing to study the CIPP payroll/pensions qualification Experience working to strict deadlines and prioritising workloads Strong numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail Confident communicator, both written and verbal, at all levels Proficient in Microsoft Office and payroll software Knowledge of HMRC legislation and statutory payroll requirements Ability to work flexibly, take initiative, and manage changing priorities Experience handling payroll-related queries and correspondence Additional Information: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 8am-4pm/9am-5pm On-site working 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays Pension Scheme On-site parking Support for professional qualifications and ongoing development To express interest in this promising role, kindly forward your latest CV, detailing your present or most recent remuneration package and any notice period you might have. For a discreet, detailed discussion about the role, you can reach out to Shanelle Bowyer at (phone number removed). Alternatively, connect with me on LinkedIn via the following link:  (url removed)