Payroll Specialist

LJ Recruitment; Harrow; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Payroll Specialist for a 12-month fixed term contract in West London. The role encompasses maintaining payroll systems, processing payroll, and ensuring compliance with legislation. The ideal candidate will have experience with ADP, strong attention to detail, and excellent analytical skills. This fully office-based position offers a salary of £32,000 per annum and requires a proactive approach in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Strong attention to detail and results-driven mindset.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills necessary.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update payroll systems with changes timely and accurately.
• Check and process all monthly payroll changes on ADP.
• Compile payroll and benefits data for expatriate payroll processing.
• Reconcile payroll postings to the general ledger.
• Support HR team with additional administrative duties.

Skills

Attention to detail

Numerical and analytical skills

Organisational abilities

Communication skills

Ability to work to deadlines

Education

Experience operating payroll systems (ADP preferred)

Knowledge of basic accounting

Previous payroll-focused role experience

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word)

ADP

Job description

Payroll Specialist (12-Month Fixed Term Contract)

📍 West London (Fully Office Based)
💷 £32,000 per annum
📄 12-month Fixed Term Contract

Key Responsibilities

Payroll & Systems Administration

• Maintain and update payroll systems with new starters, leavers, changes to benefits, employment status and other amendments in a timely and accurate manner
• Maintain monthly payroll files covering starters, leavers, bonuses and all payroll changes
• Act as first point of contact for the staff appraisal system, including implementation and ongoing monitoring
• Manage and monitor the Time and Attendance system (Darwinbox)
• Support contract renewals and prepare approval notes for management
• Ensure compliance with Data Protection legislation

Payroll Processing

• Check and process all monthly payroll changes on ADP and commit payroll accurately and on time
• Process statutory year-end activities including P60s, P11Ds and payroll returns
• Handle employee payroll and salary queries for both local and expatriate staff
• Create, maintain and continuously improve payroll processes
• Produce payroll reports in line with HR and business requirements

Pensions, Tax & Reconciliations

• Reconcile pension files and payments and liaise with pension providers
• Manage season ticket loans and personal loans and submit monthly control returns
• Reconcile payroll postings to the general ledger and resolve discrepancies
• Ensure timely and accurate PAYE and NI payments
• Manage third-party payments to HMRC

Expatriate Payroll & Tax

• Compile payroll and benefits data for expatriate payroll processing
• Liaise with external tax advisors for tax returns, PSA and P11Ds
• Assist expatriates with HMRC and NI number applications
• Ensure all joiner and leaver documentation is available for payroll processing

Additional Responsibilities

• Process invoices and manage petty cash
• Support the HR team with additional administrative duties as required
• Undertake any other duties as delegated by the Head of HR

Skills & Competencies

• Results-driven with strong attention to detail
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills
• Strong organisational and self-management abilities
• Confident communicator with strong interpersonal skills
• Able to work to deadlines in a fast-paced, office-based environment

Person Specification

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
• Experience operating payroll systems (ADP preferred)
• Knowledge of basic accounting is essential
• Previous experience in a payroll-focused role, ideally including expatriate payroll