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

ISG (Information Services Group); Guildford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

2 days in Guildford office

Job summary

ISG is seeking an EMEA Payroll Specialist to manage end-to-end monthly payrolls across Europe, including expat payroll. The role combines payroll accuracy with compliance and stakeholder advice, working from a hybrid setup with at least two days in the Guildford office.

You will coordinate with external providers, support HR administration, and drive timely payroll delivery while maintaining audit-ready records and keeping up to date with pension and tax rules across multiple countries.

Qualifications

• Experience in payroll/finance with international payroll exposure.
• Minimum 2 years' experience in EMEA payroll.
• CIPP qualification or equivalent desirable.
• Strong IT skills including Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Attention to detail and ability to meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end monthly payroll processing for multiple European countries.
• Compile and verify variable payroll data and liaise with external provider.
• Process new starters and leavers in payroll and benefits.
• Review and correct payroll reports to ensure accuracy.
• Provide files for salary, tax and benefit payments to Finance.
• Coordinate year-end reports with external payroll company and Finance.
• Maintain payroll records in electronic and hard copy form for audits.
• Provide advice on payroll and pension legislation to stakeholders.
• Liaise with tax advisors and providers on queries and set-up.
• Be the first point of contact for complex payroll queries and calculations.

Skills

Payroll expertise

International payroll

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Problem solving

Team player

Education

CIPP qualification

Tools

UKG Pro

UKG One View

Excel

Microsoft Office

Job description

EMEA Payroll Specialist

Wanted: dynamic and creative individuals ready to connect with a like‑minded team. You’ll enjoy all the autonomy you need to help our clients make their digital infrastructure faster and more effective. Free reign for free spirits doesn’t mean you’ve got to go it alone. Over 1400 teammates from around the globe are eager to help you out when things get down to wire. Their expertise will put you on the winning path and keep you there. So, get ready to kickstart your career with a team that’s connected – connected by freedom.

Description

EMEA Payroll Specialist

Wanted: dynamic and creative individuals ready to connect with a like‑minded team. You’ll enjoy all the autonomy you need to help our clients make their digital infrastructure faster and more effective. Free reign for free spirits doesn’t mean you’ve got to go it alone. Over 1400 teammates from around the globe are eager to help you out when things get down to wire. Their expertise will put you on the winning path and keep you there. So, get ready to kickstart your career with a team that’s connected – connected by freedom.

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.

The duties listed above are not intended to be exhaustive and may change from time to time.

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.

Personal Attributes:

• 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.