Payroll Specialist

Informa PLC; Colchester; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in business services is seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage the full payroll cycle for approximately 400 UK employees. This role requires expertise in UK payroll regulations and demands strong attention to detail. Responsibilities include processing monthly payroll, statutory payments, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations. The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of payroll experience and proficiency in ADP iHCM. Competitive benefits and opportunities for career development are offered.

Benefits

401k match

Health, vision, and dental insurance

Career development opportunities

Wellness support programs

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in UK payroll processing.
• Demonstrated experience using ADP iHCM payroll module required.
• Experience processing payroll for a medium-to-large organization (200+ employees).
• Strong understanding of statutory payments and deductions.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end monthly payroll for approximately 400 employees.
• Calculate and process statutory payments including SSP, SMP, SPP, and SAP.
• Ensure accurate tax and National Insurance calculations and submissions to HMRC.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Skills

UK payroll regulations

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Education

CIPP qualification or equivalent

Tools

ADP iHCM

Excel

Online banking platforms

Job description

Job Overview

The Payroll Specialist is responsible for managing the full payroll cycle for approximately 400 UK-based employees. This role serves as the sole dedicated payroll resource, ensuring accurate and timely processing of all payroll transactions, statutory compliance, and reporting. The position requires expertise in UK payroll regulations, strong attention to detail, and the ability to work independently while collaborating with Finance and HR teams to support organizational payroll needs.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end monthly payroll for approximately 400 employees using ADP iHCM payroll module.
• Collect, verify, and input all payroll data including new hires, terminations, salary changes, and variable pay elements.
• Calculate and process statutory payments including SSP, SMP, SPP, and SAP in accordance with UK legislation.
• Ensure accurate tax and National Insurance calculations and submissions to HMRC.
• Execute payment of salaries and third-party payments through online banking platforms, ensuring accounts are sufficiently funded.
• Perform month-end payroll reporting, including running and reconciling payroll journals and uploading them into the finance system.
• Reconcile HMRC payments against the HMRC Government Gateway.
• Prepare and distribute pension and benefit reports for review and audit by the Benefits team.
• Provide ad hoc reports to Finance, HR, and Managers regarding payroll costs and other payroll-related information.
• Work with the finance team to reconcile payroll control accounts monthly.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.
• Process year-end procedures.
• Respond to employee queries regarding payslips, tax codes, and other payroll-related matters in a timely, helpful, and professional manner.
• Stay current with changes in payroll legislation and implement updates to payroll processes accordingly.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in UK payroll processing.
• Demonstrated experience using ADP iHCM payroll module required.
• In‑depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation, PAYE, and National Insurance requirements.
• CIPP qualification preferred or equivalent professional payroll certification.
• Experience processing payroll for a medium‑to‑large organization (200+ employees).
• Strong understanding of statutory payments and deductions.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial systems.
• Experience with online banking platforms for payment processing.
• Knowledge of general accounting principles and reconciliation processes.
• Excellent attention to detail and high degree of accuracy.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Excellent time management and organizational skills.
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive information.
• Experience with payroll system implementations or upgrades desirable.
• Understanding of data protection requirements related to payroll information.

Do you want to develop your career and make an impact in the fast‑growth, fast‑moving B2B technology space?

About Informa TechTarget

At Informa TechTarget, you'll collaborate and grow alongside some of the industry's most respected experts. You'll work with leading brands and be exposed to world‑shaping innovations. You'll apply your energy and intellect to helping clients be faster to market and faster to revenue. We’re a vibrant community of world‑class practitioners – over 2,000 colleagues strong – with offices in 19 locations around the world. We’re traded on Nasdaq and also part of Informa PLC, a global leader in business‑to‑business events, digital services, and academic research in the FTSE 100.

Benefits

• Great community: a welcoming culture with in‑person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active colleague groups and networks promoting a positive, supportive, and collaborative work environment.
• Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available too.
• Career opportunity: the opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on‑demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning. When it's time for the next step, we encourage and support internal job moves.
• Competitive benefits, including a 401k match, health, vision and dental insurance, parental leave and an ESPP offering company shares at a minimum 15% discount.
• Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, free access to a wellness app and more.
• Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programmes.
• As an international company, the chance to collaborate with teams around the world.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment. It applies to all positions at all levels, and it covers all resources and location‑based variances. It sets out the approach a company may use and does not displace any other local or national regulations. The Equal Opportunity/Human Rights Policy statement is complied with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. We strictly prohibit and do not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered person because of race, colour, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, status as a veteran or any protected class. We provide reasonable adjustments or accommodations for people with disabilities to participate in the hiring process.