Payroll Specialist

Michael Page; Greater London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page is seeking a Payroll Assistant to manage the monthly payroll process in a London-based role. You will work closely with HR, Finance, and external providers to ensure timely, accurate payroll delivery while maintaining confidentiality.

The ideal candidate will have 3–5 years of UK payroll experience, strong HMRC knowledge, and advanced Excel skills to support pensions, benefits, and process improvements.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of UK payroll experience in a Payroll Assistant or Payroll Administrator role.
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, and payroll processes.
• Experience processing end-to-end payroll accurately and to strict deadlines.
• Confident using payroll systems and advanced Excel functions.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
• Professional, discreet, and trusted to handle confidential payroll information.

Responsibilities

• Process the monthly payroll accurately and on time.
• Manage starters, leavers, salary changes, pensions, and statutory payments.
• Carry out payroll checks, reconciliations, and maintain payroll records.
• Administer pension contributions and private medical insurance through payroll.
• Respond to employee payroll queries and liaise with HR, Finance, and external providers.
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation and company policies.
• Support payroll process improvements and system enhancements.
• Maintain accurate payroll documentation and confidential employee data.

Skills

UK payroll knowledge

Excel

Payroll systems

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Teamwork

Tools

Payroll systems

Job description

This Payroll Assistant role offers the opportunity to manage the full monthly payroll process, ensuring accurate and compliant payroll delivery while working closely with HR, Finance, and external providers. The successful candidate will use their UK payroll knowledge, Excel skills, and payroll systems experience to support payroll operations, pensions, benefits administration, and continuous process improvements.

A company in the business services industry based in London.Our client is a global engineering and technology consultancy supporting some of the world's leading organisations across sectors including aerospace, defence, automotive, energy, rail, and technology. With an international presence and a strong focus on innovation, they offer employees the opportunity to work within a collaborative, fast-paced environment that supports continuous development and career growth.

Description

• Process the monthly payroll accurately and on time.
• Manage starters, leavers, salary changes, pensions, and statutory payments.
• Carry out payroll checks, reconciliations, and maintain payroll records.
• Administer pension contributions and private medical insurance through payroll.
• Respond to employee payroll queries and liaise with HR, Finance, and external providers.
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation and company policies.
• Support payroll process improvements and system enhancements.
• Maintain accurate payroll documentation and confidential employee data.

Profile

A successful Payroll Specialist should have:

• 3 -5 years of UK payroll experience in a Payroll Assistant or Payroll Administrator role.
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, and payroll processes.
• Experience processing end-to-end payroll accurately and to strict deadlines.
• Confident using payroll systems and advanced Excel functions.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills and a customer-focused approach.
• Professional, discreet, and trusted to handle confidential payroll information.

Job Offer

• Permanent position based in London.
• Salary ranging from £40,000 to £55,000, dependent on the level of experience.
• Opportunities to develop expertise in payroll within the business services industry.