Payroll Specialist - UK and International - #2117649

We’re recruiting for an experienced Payroll Specialist to join an international organisation headquartered in London, taking ownership of the UK payroll while also overseeing outsourced payroll operations across international entities.

This is a hands-on role with real ownership. You’ll manage the end-to-end UK payroll process, work closely with the Finance and People teams, oversee international payroll providers and ensure payroll remains accurate, compliant and delivered on time.

The role

You’ll be responsible for:

• Taking full ownership of the end-to-end UK payroll
• Ensuring employees are paid accurately and within agreed deadlines
• Working closely with the People team to manage starters, leavers, payroll changes and employee data
• Managing payroll activity and data through bespoke payroll software
• Overseeing outsourced payroll providers across the Netherlands and Dubai
• Reviewing payroll inputs and outputs and maintaining appropriate controls and approvals
• Preparing and posting payroll journals into NetSuite
• Completing payroll reconciliations and ensuring payroll costs and payments are correctly reflected within Finance
• Managing employee payroll queries covering areas such as commission, deductions, benefits and statutory payments
• Maintaining accurate payroll records and documentation
• Reviewing and improving existing payroll processes and controls
• Supporting Finance with month-end, year-end, balance sheet reconciliations and audit requirements
• Assisting with payroll, headcount and employee cost reporting.

What we’re looking for

You’ll ideally have:

• Strong experience managing an end-to-end UK payroll
• A good understanding of UK payroll legislation, PAYE, tax, pensions and statutory requirements
• Experience working in a busy or complex payroll environment
• Strong Excel skills, including lookups, formulas, pivot tables and reconciliations
• Experience identifying discrepancies and resolving payroll issues before finalisation
• A track record of improving and documenting payroll processes and controls
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work across Finance, People teams, employees and external providers

Experience with bespoke payroll software would be highly desirable, while exposure to NetSuite, international payroll and commission/variable-pay payroll would also be advantageous.

Why consider this role?

This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to take genuine ownership of payroll rather than simply process one part of the cycle. You’ll have exposure to both UK and international payroll, work closely with senior Finance and People stakeholders, and have the opportunity to improve how payroll processes and controls operate across the business.