Payroll Data Analyst

Primark; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 92,000; Part time

Job summary

Primark is seeking a Payroll Data Analyst for the Global Programme to support payroll transformation, data cleansing, and system implementations across multiple countries. You will analyse, validate, and reconcile payroll data while collaborating with Payroll, HR, Finance and external providers to ensure accuracy and compliance.

The role involves data migration, dashboard reporting, and supporting UAT with parallel payroll runs during implementations in a hybrid model (Reading or Dublin).

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Payroll Data Analyst or similar role.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, data structures, and controls.
• Advanced Excel: Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP, Power Query.
• Experience with large data sets and complex reconciliations.
• Exposure to payroll system implementations or upgrades.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem‑solving, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience partnering with Payroll, HR, Finance and external providers.

Responsibilities

• Payroll data analysis across multiple systems.
• Data cleansing, transformation, QA, and migration activities.
• Contribute to payroll system implementations and process improvements.
• Produce dashboards, reports, and actionable insights.
• Resolve discrepancies and recommend fixes.
• Support statutory reporting and audit data needs.
• Maintain validation, reconciliation, and control processes.
• Assist with UAT and parallel payroll runs during implementations.

Skills

Payroll data analysis

Payroll processes & controls

Advanced Excel

Data reconciliation

System implementations

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-functional collaboration

Power BI

SQL

Tools

Power BI

SQL

Workday

SAP

Oracle

ADP

SD Worx

SuccessFactors

Job description

Payroll Data Analyst (Global Programme)

Location: Reading or Dublin (hybrid)

Duration: Initial 6 Months

Contract Type: Day Rate (Inside IR35 if UK based)

About the Role

We’re hiring a Payroll Data Analyst to support payroll transformation, system implementations, and operational improvement across a complex, multi‑country organisation. You’ll analyse, validate, cleanse, and reconcile payroll data while working closely with Payroll, HR, Finance, Technology, and external providers to ensure accuracy, integrity, and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll data analysis - Analyse, validate, and reconcile data across multiple systems.
• Data cleansing & migration - Support mapping, transformation, QA, and migration activities.
• Transformation support - Contribute to payroll system implementations and process improvements.
• Reporting & insights - Produce dashboards, reports, and actionable insights.
• Issue investigation - Resolve discrepancies and recommend fixes.
• Audit & compliance - Support statutory reporting and audit data needs.
• Controls & documentation - Maintain validation, reconciliation, and control processes.
• Testing support - Assist with UAT and parallel payroll runs during implementations.

Essential Skills

• Proven experience as a Payroll Data Analyst or similar role.
• Strong understanding of payroll processes, data structures, and controls.
• Advanced Excel (Pivot Tables, XLOOKUP, Power Query).
• Experience working with large data sets and complex reconciliations.
• Exposure to payroll system implementations or upgrades.
• Excellent attention to detail, problem‑solving, and stakeholder engagement.
• Experience partnering with Payroll, HR, Finance, and external providers.

Desirable

• Retail or multi‑site experience.
• Knowledge of UK/international payroll.
• Familiarity with systems like Workday, SAP, Oracle, ADP, SD Worx, SuccessFactors.
• Experience with Power BI, SQL, or other visualisation tools.
• Background in payroll migrations or outsourcing programmes.
• Understanding of GDPR and payroll data governance.