Belfast Payroll Specialist — 12‑Month FTC

A&O Shearman; Lisburn; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A&O Shearman in Belfast is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join the Payroll team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role covers monthly UK payroll processing for the firm's employees and remittance for Contractors operating inside IR35.

You will manage data validation, changes, statutory payments, HMRC notifications, year-end processes and reconciliations, and collaborate with HR to resolve queries while maintaining accuracy and compliance.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in processing a comparable sized payroll.
• Strong end-to-end UK payroll knowledge: PAYE, NI, pensions auto-enrolment, RTI.
• Experience reconciling payroll and GL accounts.
• Experience in accounting and financial systems.
• Highly numerate with attention to detail.
• Proficient with Excel and Word.
• Flexibility for peak times such as cutoff and sign-off.

Responsibilities

• Process allocated UK payrolls from data collection to final outputs, ensuring accurate and timely payment.
• Input, validate and process payroll changes (starters, leavers, changes, absence, overtime, allowances, deductions).
• Calculate statutory and occupational payments, including family-related leave and sickness payments, plus salary sacrifice and other adjustments.
• Administer payroll and remittance arrangements for contractors inside IR35.
• Ensure HMRC notifications are applied correctly (tax code changes, Student Loan).
• Respond to employee/contractor payroll inquiries promptly.
• Liaise with HR Operations and HR Managers on queries and payments.
• Assist with benefit administration (Pensions, PMI, Dental, salary sacrifice).
• Undertake monthly reconciliations of payroll/remittance control accounts; create journals; year-end processes.
• With Payroll Manager, review monthly payroll/remittance calculations and prepare PAYE disbursements; stay updated on legislation.

Skills

Payroll processing

UK payroll knowledge

Reconciliations

Microsoft Excel/Word

PeopleSoft HRIS

Power BI

SD Worx payroll

Education

CIPP Membership

Professional payroll qualification

Tools

PeopleSoft HRIS

SD Worx payroll

Job description

A&O Shearman in Belfast is seeking a Payroll Specialist to join the Payroll team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. The role covers monthly UK payroll processing for the firm's employees and remittance for Contractors operating inside IR35.

You will manage data validation, changes, statutory payments, HMRC notifications, year-end processes and reconciliations, and collaborate with HR to resolve queries while maintaining accuracy and compliance.