Payroll & Cost Analyst

Bristol Waste Company; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A waste management organization in Bristol is hiring a Payroll & Cost Analyst to ensure timely payroll processing and provide analytical support on financial data. Responsibilities include maintaining compliance with payroll legislation, developing cost models, and enhancing operational efficiency. Ideal candidates have experience in payroll and strong Excel skills. The company offers 25 days annual leave, pension contributions, and a supportive work environment with flexible working options.

Benefits

Annual leave of 25 days plus 8 bank holidays

5% employer pension contribution

BUPA Health Cash Plan

Dedicated learning and development team

Employee recognition awards

Qualifications

• Proven experience in payroll administration and processing.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with integrity.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently or in a team.

Responsibilities

• Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing.
• Maintain compliance with payroll statutory obligations.
• Provide analysis of payroll and waste disposal costs.

Skills

UK payroll legislation understanding

Excel skills

Data analysis

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Job description

Job Summary

The Payroll & Cost Analyst will be responsible for ensuring that Bristol Waste Company's payroll obligations are met in a timely and accurate manner, while also providing analytical support through the maintenance of key financial data models. The role explicitly covers ownership of payroll and waste disposal cost models, supporting a deeper understanding of two of the organisation's most significant expenditure areas. Payroll Management

Responsibilities

• Ensure the accurate and timely preparation, processing, and reconciliation of payroll each month.
• Maintain compliance with statutory obligations (HMRC, pensions, holiday pay, statutory deductions).
• Act as first point of contact for payroll queries, resolving issues quickly and effectively.
• Support HR and line managers with payroll‑related reporting and compliance requirements.
• Maintain accurate employee payroll records and ensure confidentiality of sensitive data.
• Own and develop the Payroll Model to provide accurate forecasting, scenario planning, and analysis of labour‑related costs.
• Own and develop the Waste Disposal Model, providing analysis of disposal costs, cost drivers, and trends.
• Partner with the Finance Business Partners and wider finance team to integrate models into monthly reporting, forecasts, and budgets.
• Provide insight and commentary to support decision‑making, identifying risks, opportunities, and cost‑saving measures.
• Assist with balance sheet reconciliations and journal preparation relating to payroll and disposal costs.
• Support the production of management accounts and ensure payroll and disposal costs are accurately reflected.
• Provide data and analysis to support statutory audit and year‑end processes.
• Maintain and improve financial (payroll) controls, ensuring adherence to company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance reporting accuracy and operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in payroll administration and processing.
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, and pension regulations.
• Excellent Excel and data analysis skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with integrity and discretion.
• Strong organisational skills with ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to challenge current processes, drive efficiencies, and deliver improvements.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, and able to work independently or as part of a team.

About Bristol Waste Company

What we do is important – we're here to keep Bristol, and beyond, clean and safe. We do this for our city's residents, workers, visitors, and businesses. Our work helps deliver Bristol's sustainability targets in partnership with the council. Bristol Waste's commercial operation, where we serve businesses and organisations across the region, is also growing. Our ambition is to provide good quality, value for money services, and we continue to deliver a social value impact worth more than £30 million every year. We want people who share our values and want to work with us to drive our business forward.

Benefits

• Annual leave package of 25 days plus 8 bank holidays.
• Employer contribution of 5% into the company pension scheme.
• Support for mental health, including a BUPA Employee Assistance Programme that covers mental health, financial, and family related topics. We also have Mental Health First Aiders across the business.
• Support for your physical health with our BUPA Health Cash Plan (we cover the cost of coverage for you), Cycle to Work scheme and an onsite physiotherapist. All are free for our colleagues.
• Because we value our colleagues, we want to recruit more employees just like them, which is why we have our employee referral scheme.
• Dedicated learning and development team. We take pride in developing our colleagues and examples include our In‑House Driver Development Programme and internal promotions. Many of our Senior Leadership Team have developed from operational roles, such as one of our Contract Managers who started as a Street Cleanser.
• Employee recognition 'Stand Out Award' and long service awards. To celebrate our colleagues wherever they are on their journey with us, we recognise and celebrate talent.
• We recognise that everyone is different and strive to create an environment that supports all colleagues through flexible working. We have introduced a hybrid working model where possible and actively encourage part‑time working, job sharing, and flexible hours. If this interests you, please do get in touch, and we can start a conversation.
• Everyone belongs: At Bristol Waste everyone belongs – we are proud of being a truly inclusive organisation.