Payroll Specialist

Overview

In this role you will deliver accurate, compliant payroll services for a range of clients across multiple platforms, supporting a digital, customer‑focused public sector service. You work closely with internal teams to resolve complex queries, ensure timely year‑end processes, and implement payroll improvements. The position offers impact through shaping payroll governance and system patches, contributing to a modern, multi‑platform payroll function. This is a hands‑on role with clear scope to drive service excellence and knowledge sharing.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist payroll advice to internal teams and clients
• Respond to complex payroll queries and escalate when needed
• Review, validate and guide on multi-year overpayment calculations
• Own the In-Year and Year-End payroll processes for clients
• Test payroll‑impacting system patches and monthly releases
• Act as main payroll contact for change requests and BAU integration
• Support monthly BACS submission processes including reconciliation and approvals
• Reconcile PAYE, NICs and statutory deductions, submit EPS/RTI and maintain HMRC Gateway accounts
• Identify and address payroll knowledge gaps across the team
• Contribute to development and implementation of process improvements
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of payroll legislation, policies and best practice
• Support occasional projects and other work aligned to business need

Key requirements

• Experience managing large or multiple payrolls
• Strong knowledge of payroll processes, legislation and best practice
• Ability to manually calculate gross‑to‑net and overpayments
• Strong analytical skills and high attention to detail
• Ability to interpret and present complex data to different audiences
• Strong oral and written communication skills and confidence handling challenging conversations
• Ability to translate complex payroll topics for non‑experts
• Proficiency with payroll systems; experience with Workday or similar
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills
• High numeracy; Maths & English GCSE A–C (or equivalent experience)
• Commitment to customer‑focused service excellence
• Experience in public sector payroll services or CIPP Advanced Technician/Payroll Specialist qualification advantageous

• Strong communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Analytical thinking
• Workday or similar payroll system
• Excel and Microsoft Office
• BACS submission processes

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