Payroll Specialist

OEC; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Part time

Job summary

OEC is seeking a skilled UK payroll specialist to own end-to-end payroll for 200+ employees and support international locations. The role emphasizes compliance with UK legislation, HMRC requirements and privacy standards, with collaboration across vendors and HR.

The ideal candidate has 3+ years of UK payroll experience, strong Excel skills and hands‑on knowledge of P11D, auto-enrolment and benefits in kind. The position offers a 2-3 day hybrid in Newbury or Chelmsford.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ UK payroll experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Hands‑on experience with benefits in kind, pension auto‑enrolment and payroll elements.
• Familiarity with GDPR and data privacy in payroll.
• Proficiency in Excel and data analysis.
• Experience with international payroll platforms and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end UK payroll operations for 200+ employees, with scope to grow as headcount increases.
• Prepare and manage payroll input sheets for EMEA and APAC regions, coordinating with in-country vendors and EoR.
• Collaborate with payroll vendors and HR to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements, and local country rules.
• Review monthly payroll reports and statutory filings.
• Process payroll inputs including hires, leavers, bonuses and other compensation elements.
• Manage and track benefits across all locations.
• Coordinate with Finance to request fund transfers and assist financial planning.
• Serve as primary payroll enquiries contact; resolve discrepancies.
• Maintain confidentiality of employee pay and HR records.
• Prepare payroll reports for record-keeping and audits.

Skills

UK payroll experience

P11D knowledge

UK payroll legislation

Excel

GDPR compliance

Data privacy

ADP payroll software

Cross-border payroll

Education

Associate degree

Tools

ADP payroll software

Job description

Fixed-term contract – 12 months (maternity cover)

Location: Newbury or Chelmsford |Hybrid: 2 days in office, 3 days working from home

Role Overview

This role owns UK payroll operations and supports payroll delivery for a number of international locations. The successful candidate will ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with UK legislation and HMRC requirements, local regulations in supported countries, company policies and international standards. The role requires a deep understanding of UK payroll, payroll systems, labour law and best practice.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Own end-to-end UK payroll operations for 200+ employees, with scope to grow as headcount increases.
• Prepare and manage payroll input sheets for EMEA and APAC regions, working with in-country payroll vendors, managed payrolls and an EoR to ensure accurate and timely processing.
• Collaborate with payroll vendors and HR to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Maintain up-to‑date knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and statutory obligations, and of local requirements in supported countries with support from in‑country vendors.
• Review monthly payroll reports and statutory filings.
• Process payroll inputs, including new hires, leavers, bonuses/commissions and all other compensation elements.
• Manage and track benefits across all supported locations.
• Collaborate with Finance to request fund transfers and assist with financial planning.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll enquiries; identify, investigate and resolve reported discrepancies.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee pay and HR records.
• Complete payroll reports for record-keeping, managerial review and audit purposes.

Education

An associate degree from an accredited college or university is required. In the absence of a degree, equivalent work experience directly related to the key responsibilities of the role will be considered as a substitute for the degree.

Experience, Skills and Key Competencies

• At least 3 years’ UK payroll experience, ideally within a global organisation or shared services environment.
• Strong, up-to‑date knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Hands‑on experience with P11D and benefits in kind (company cars, private healthcare), statutory payments, pension auto‑enrolment, cost centre coding, and P45/P60 processing.
• Familiarity with data privacy and cross‑border data handling regulations (GDPR).
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to confidentiality, maintaining data accuracy and compliance.
• High proficiency in Excel.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Experience using ADP payroll software.
• Experience working with international payroll platforms and vendors.
• In‑depth understanding of global payroll practices.