Lead Payroll Specialist — Large-Scale UK Payroll

Adecco; Manchester; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 42,000; Part time

Job summary

Adecco is seeking a Payroll Specialist in Manchester to lead and deliver a compliant payroll service across large payrolls, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strong employee satisfaction.

You will collaborate with HR, Finance and IT, oversee audits and reporting, coach colleagues, and drive continuous improvement in payroll processes. This temporary role offers exposure to UK payroll legislation, HMRC compliance, and overseas payroll requirements within a public sector-focused environment.

Qualifications

• In-depth understanding of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, and pensions auto-enrolment.
• Proficiency in payroll systems (e.g., Oracle) and reporting platforms (e.g., Power BI).
• Experience with manual payroll calculations and a strong grasp of audit processes.

Responsibilities

• Deliver payroll services with a focus on trust, wellbeing, and engagement, considering the entire employee lifecycle.
• Oversee the daily operations of the payroll team, ensuring timely and accurate processing, including statutory returns and reconciliations.
• Act as an escalation point for complex or high-risk payroll issues, providing operational support during peak periods.
• Ensure adherence to UK payroll legislation, HMRC regulations, and overseas payroll requirements.
• Foster growth in payroll colleagues through coaching and performance reviews, enhancing problem-solving capabilities.
• Lead payroll reporting efforts, producing clear management information, statutory reports, and KPIs.
• Act as a subject matter expert for internal and external payroll audits, ensuring documentation is current.
• Recommend and support initiatives that enhance payroll efficiency, accuracy, and service quality.

Skills

UK payroll legislation

PAYE

National Insurance

pensions auto-enrolment

Oracle

Power BI

Tools

Oracle

Power BI

Job description

Adecco is seeking a Payroll Specialist in Manchester to lead and deliver a compliant payroll service across large payrolls, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strong employee satisfaction.

You will collaborate with HR, Finance and IT, oversee audits and reporting, coach colleagues, and drive continuous improvement in payroll processes. This temporary role offers exposure to UK payroll legislation, HMRC compliance, and overseas payroll requirements within a public sector-focused environment.