International Payroll Coordinator (FTC)

Kernel; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 59,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Kernel in Central London is seeking an International Payroll Coordinator for a 6-month fixed-term contract to lead the UK payroll end-to-end and support international payroll across Europe and APAC.

The role reports to the Global Payroll Manager and focuses on accurate, compliant payroll delivery, process improvements and transformation initiatives within a multinational environment.

Qualifications

• Significant experience managing UK payroll processing from input through to final submission and reporting.
• Exposure to international payroll environments, with experience supporting payrolls across Europe and/or APAC being highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, PAYE, National Insurance, pensions administration and statutory compliance requirements.
• Experience using Workday or comparable HR systems.
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills, with advanced Excel proficiency including lookups, pivot tables and data validation.
• Experience supporting payroll audits, compliance reviews and internal control activities.
• A proactive approach to process improvement, automation and operational efficiency.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across HR, Finance and third-party providers.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the end-to-end monthly UK payroll process, ensuring payroll data is reviewed, validated and submitted accurately and on time.
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll-related queries, partnering closely with HR, Finance, employees and external payroll providers.
• Support international payroll operations, particularly across Europe and APAC, ensuring consistency, accuracy and compliance.
• Perform payroll reconciliations, control reviews and exception analysis, investigating and resolving discrepancies where required.
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, pensions auto-enrolment and year-end reporting obligations.
• Lead payroll process improvements, documentation, controls enhancement and automation initiatives to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Job description

International Payroll Coordinator

6 month FTC

Central London

3 days in office

up to £65k + bonus

Our client is a globally recognised international organisation with operations across multiple regions and a strong reputation for excellence, innovation and collaboration. As part of a high-performing payroll function, they are seeking an experienced Global Payroll Officer to join the team on a six-month fixed-term contract.

This role offers the opportunity to take ownership of the UK payroll process while supporting broader international payroll activities across Europe and Asia. Reporting to the Global Payroll Manager, you will play a key role in ensuring accurate and compliant payroll delivery, strengthening controls, improving processes and supporting ongoing transformation initiatives. This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional seeking a varied and hands‑on position within a multinational environment.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of the end-to-end monthly UK payroll process, ensuring payroll data is reviewed, validated and submitted accurately and on time.
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll-related queries, partnering closely with HR, Finance, employees and external payroll providers.
• Support international payroll operations, particularly across Europe and APAC, ensuring consistency, accuracy and compliance.
• Perform payroll reconciliations, control reviews and exception analysis, investigating and resolving discrepancies where required.
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, pensions auto-enrolment and year-end reporting obligations.
• Lead payroll process improvements, documentation, controls enhancement and automation initiatives to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Experience needed

• Significant experience managing UK payroll processing from input through to final submission and reporting.
• Exposure to international payroll environments, with experience supporting payrolls across Europe and/or APAC being highly desirable.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, PAYE, National Insurance, pensions administration and statutory compliance requirements.
• Experience using Workday or comparable HR systems.
• Strong analytical and reconciliation skills, with advanced Excel proficiency including lookups, pivot tables and data validation.
• Experience supporting payroll audits, compliance reviews and internal control activities.
• A proactive approach to process improvement, automation and operational efficiency.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across HR, Finance and third-party providers.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.