Payroll & Benefits Specialist in Reading)

Marc Daniels Specialist Recruitment Ltd; Reading; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in Reading is seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits professional to manage payroll processes and employee benefits administration. Responsibilities include ensuring accuracy, compliance with UK legislation, and enhancing employee experience through best practices. The ideal candidate has a strong background in payroll management and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in payroll and benefits administration.
• In-depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation, tax laws, and reporting.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end payroll processing including administration and compliance.
• Administer employee benefit programmes and handle queries.
• Manage statutory and compliance obligations including reporting.

Skills

Payroll Administration

Compliance with UK legislation

Communication

Analytical Skills

Attention to Detail

IT Skills (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Education

CPP or equivalent certification

Job description

Are you an experienced Payroll & Benefits professional looking for your next opportunity? We're working with a growing organisation that's seeking a specialist to take ownership of payroll and employee benefits. This role offers the chance to make a real impact by ensuring accuracy, compliance, and a great employee experience.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Management

• End-to-end payroll processing, ensuring accuracy and compliance with UK legislation.
• Maintain records, reconcile discrepancies, and resolve queries.
• Oversee commission processes from calculation to reporting.
• Ensure compliance with IR35/off-payroll legislation.
• Act as the go-to point for complex payroll queries.
• Support payroll audits while maintaining confidentiality.

Benefits Administration

• Administer employee benefit programmes (pension, health, life insurance, wellness schemes, EV salary sacrifice).
• Be the first point of contact for benefit queries, enrolments, and changes.
• Coordinate renewals, open enrolment periods, and employee communications.
• Work with external advisors to improve benefits offerings.

Compliance & Reporting

• Manage all statutory and compliance obligations, including PSA and P11D reporting.
• Lead on Gender Pay Gap reporting alongside HR.
• Deliver accurate and timely year-end submissions.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Manage payroll system updates and documentation.
• Continuously improve processes to enhance efficiency and employee experience.
• Introduce best practices and new ideas for payroll and benefits.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with HR and Finance to ensure smooth, accurate processes.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders across the business.
• Clearly communicate complex payroll and benefits topics to non-specialists.

About You

• Proven experience in payroll and benefits administration.
• In-depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation, tax laws, pensions, and reporting.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical skills, and accuracy.
• Confident communicator with the ability to explain complex issues clearly.
• Excellent IT skills, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.
• Discreet and professional when handling sensitive information.
• (Desirable) Payroll certification such as CPP or equivalent.

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