Payroll Implementation Specialist

Michael Page; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page in Liverpool seeks a Payroll Implementation Specialist for a fast-paced retail environment. You will own the configuration of a new payroll system, drive testing and data validation, identify and resolve issues, and ensure a smooth transition to business-as-usual operations while maintaining payroll accuracy and compliance across UK regulations.

This is a temporary assignment with a focus on practical improvements and clean handover to the permanent team.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in payroll systems implementation or management.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processes and compliance requirements.
• Excellent technical skills and familiarity with payroll software.
• Attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive data with discretion.
• Good communication skills to liaise with internal teams and provide training.
• Problem-solving abilities to address system or process challenges effectively.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of a payroll system implementation, ensuring a smooth transition into business-as-usual operations.
• Identify and resolve outstanding payroll issues, stabilising processes and 'stopping the bleeding' following implementation.
• Conduct a diagnostic review of existing payroll processes, identifying root causes of recurring issues and recommending practical improvements.
• Lead payroll process optimisation, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across end-to-end payroll operations.
• Support change management activities, engaging with stakeholders to drive adoption of new processes and ways of working.
• Manage payroll testing, including user acceptance testing (UAT), identifying defects and ensuring issues are resolved before go-live or project completion.
• Develop and document new payroll processes, controls, and best practice procedures to support long-term operational success.
• Provide guidance and training to payroll users and key stakeholders to ensure confidence in the new system.
• Ensure payroll remains compliant with UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, pensions, and company policies throughout the implementation.
• Support knowledge transfer to the permanent payroll team, leaving a stable, well-documented payroll function at the end of the assignment.

Skills

Payroll systems implementation

Payroll software

Compliance knowledge

Data privacy

Communication

Problem-solving

Job description

As a Payroll Implementation Specialist within a fast-paced retail environment, you will play a key role in the successful implementation of a new payroll system. This temporary assignment will focus on configuring payroll processes, supporting testing and data validation, resolving implementation issues, and ensuring a seamless transition to the new system while maintaining payroll accuracy and compliance.

Client Details

A company operating in the retail sector based in Liverpool.

Description

• Take ownership of a payroll system implementation, ensuring a smooth transition into business-as-usual operations.
• Identify and resolve outstanding payroll issues, stabilising processes and "stopping the bleeding" following implementation.
• Conduct a diagnostic review of existing payroll processes, identifying root causes of recurring issues and recommending practical improvements.
• Lead payroll process optimisation, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency across end-to-end payroll operations.
• Support change management activities, engaging with stakeholders to drive adoption of new processes and ways of working.
• Manage payroll testing, including user acceptance testing (UAT), identifying defects and ensuring issues are resolved before go-live or project completion.
• Develop and document new payroll processes, controls, and best practice procedures to support long-term operational success.
• Provide guidance and training to payroll users and key stakeholders to ensure confidence in the new system.
• Ensure payroll remains compliant with UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, pensions, and company policies throughout the implementation.
• Support knowledge transfer to the permanent payroll team, leaving a stable, well-documented payroll function at the end of the assignment.

Profile

• A successful Payroll Implementation Specialist should have:
• Proven experience in payroll systems implementation or management.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processes and compliance requirements.
• Excellent technical skills and familiarity with payroll software.
• Attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive data with discretion.
• Good communication skills to liaise with internal teams and provide training.
• Problem-solving abilities to address system or process challenges effectively.

Job Offer

Competitive pay, dependent on the level of experience.

Temporary position offering flexibility and a chance to enhance payroll expertise.