EMEA Payroll Specialist - Fixed Term Contract - 12 to 15 Months (Maternity Cover)

ISG (Information Services Group); Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

ISG (Information Services Group) in the United Kingdom seeks an EMEA Payroll Specialist to manage end-to-end payroll operations across Europe, including expat payroll. The role is a maternity FTC with a minimum of 2 days per week in the Guildford office, supporting HR administration and liaising with external providers.

The role requires 2+ years in EMEA payroll, CIPP qualification (desirable), strong IT skills, and excellent attention to detail to meet tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Previous experience within a payroll/finance function, in a fast-paced commercial organization with a high level of knowledge and exposure to international payrolls.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in EMEA payroll.
• Full CIPP level qualification or equivalent desirable.
• All aspects of general office administration; HR administration experience would be a distinct advantage.
• Competent IT skills (Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint) and mathematical knowledge.
• Knowledge of the following systems would be advantageous: UKG Pro, UKG One View.
• Problem solving and logical thinking.
• Strong communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to interpret complex information.
• Time management skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Previous exposure to expat payrolls would be advantageous.
• Hybrid working model, minimum 2 days a week in our Guildford office.
• Respecting confidential and sensitive information.
• Managing and coping with demanding situations.
• Honesty and integrity.
• Team player.
• Adaptable.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end monthly payroll processing for multiple European countries.
• Compile and verify variable payroll data and send to external provider.
• Process new starters and leavers through payroll and benefits.
• Review and approve payroll reports; correct errors for accuracy.
• Coordinate with Finance to arrange salary, taxes and benefit payments.
• Work with external payroll company to ensure year-end reports are completed.
• Maintain payroll records electronically and on paper for audit compliance.
• Provide advice on payroll and pension legislation to stakeholders.
• Liaise with tax advisors, pension providers, and tax offices on queries.
• Be first point of contact for complex payroll queries and manual calculations.

Skills

Payroll/finance experience

EMEA payroll experience

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Time management

Problem solving

Team player

Adaptable

Education

CIPP level qualification

Tools

UKG Pro

UKG One View

Excel

Word

PowerPoint

Job description

Position Overview

This position is responsible for the ‘end to end’ management and administration of the company’s 10 monthly payrolls across Europe, including expat payroll. The main responsibility of the EMEA Payroll Specialist is to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of payroll, including payment recordkeeping and reporting. Ideally, we would be looking for someone to commence employment on 1st December 2026.

Description

EMEA Payroll Specialist

Position Overview

This position is responsible for the ‘end to end’ management and administration of the company’s 10 monthly payrolls across Europe, including expat payroll. The main responsibility of the EMEA Payroll Specialist is to ensure the timely and accurate delivery of payroll, including payment recordkeeping and reporting. Ideally, we would be looking for someone to commence employment on 1st December 2026.

FTC – 12 to 15 Months (Maternity Cover)

Minimum 2 days a week in our Guildford office

Responsibilities

• Responsible for end-to-end monthly payroll processing for multiple European countries.
• Compile and verify all variable payroll data and send to external payroll provider for processing in accordance with deadlines.
• Process new starters and leavers as appropriate through payroll and benefits.
• Review and approve resulting payroll reports and correct errors to ensure accuracy of payroll.
• Seek internal approvals and provide Finance team with all necessary files to arrange payment of salaries, taxes and benefit payments.
• Work with external payroll company and Finance team to ensure end-of-year reports are completed for each country.
• Keep all payroll records electronically and in hard copy in line with audit requirements.
• Maintain expert knowledge of payroll and pension legislation to provide advice, guidance, and support to all stakeholders.
• Liaise with third party providers, i.e., tax advisors, pension provider, tax offices on any queries/ set up requirements.
• Be first point of contact for providing advice on complex payroll queries and manual calculations from employees.

HR Administration (approximately 20%)

• Support HR Business Partner with benefit renewals – liaising with broker, providers, seeking approval from Senior Management for cost spend.
• Keep accurate records of all leave, absence and holiday, monitoring outstanding holiday balances accordingly.
• Maintenance of annual leave booking system.
• Provide documented evidence and answer queries from internal and external auditors.
• Maintain accurate HR files both electronic and hard copy.
• Provide assistance to the HR team and carry out any other ad-hoc duties as required.

Required Skillsets

• Previous experience within a payroll/finance function, in a fast-paced commercial organization with a high level of knowledge and exposure to international payrolls.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience in EMEA payroll.
• Full CIPP level qualification or equivalent desirable.
• All aspects of general office administration; HR administration experience would be a distinct advantage.
• Competent IT skills (Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint) and mathematical knowledge.
• Knowledge of the following systems would be advantageous:
• UKG Pro
• UKG One View
• Problem solving and logical thinking.
• Strong communication skills.
• Attention to detail and ability to interpret complex information.
• Time management skills and the ability to work to tight deadlines.
• Previous exposure to expat payrolls would be advantageous.
• Hybrid working model, minimum 2 days a week in our Guildford office.
• Respecting confidential and sensitive information.
• Managing and coping with demanding situations.
• Honesty and integrity.
• Team player.
• Adaptable.

At ISG, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our clients, and our communities. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. ISG is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. The more diverse and inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

The duties and responsibilities described in this job description may not be a comprehensive list. Additional tasks may be assigned to the employee from time to time and/or the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands