Payroll Specialist

Adecco; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Adecco is recruiting a Payroll Specialist based in Manchester for a temporary assignment within a leading public services organisation.

The role covers end-to-end payroll processing, ensuring compliance with UK legislation, HMRC rules, and external requirements. You will drive process improvements, support audits, and coach payroll colleagues to maintain a worker-focused service.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of PAYE, NIC and pension auto-enrolment.
• Experience handling large-scale payroll operations.
• Ability to coach payroll colleagues and drive process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Deliver payroll services with a focus on trust, wellbeing and engagement across the employee lifecycle.
• Oversee daily payroll operations, including statutory returns and reconciliations.
• Lead reporting, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

UK payroll legislation

Oracle payroll

Power BI reporting

Manual payroll calculations

Audit processes

Tools

Oracle

Power BI

Job description

Job Opportunity: Payroll Specialist

Location: Manchester

Contract Type: Temporary

Our client, a leading organisation in the public services sector, is seeking a dedicated and skilled Payroll Specialist to lead and deliver an efficient, compliant payroll service across large payrolls of +. This role is pivotal in providing subject matter expertise and operational oversight for payroll processing, reporting, system testing, and audit activities. The successful candidate will drive continuous improvement while coaching and developing payroll colleagues, ensuring a strong employee-centred approach throughout the full employee lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

• Employee-Centred Mindset: Deliver payroll services with a focus on trust, wellbeing, and engagement, considering the entire employee lifecycle.
• Collaborative Engagement: Work closely with HR, Finance, People Operations, IT, and external providers, sharing payroll expertise to support organisational objectives.
• Day-to-Day Management: Oversee the daily operations of the payroll team, ensuring timely and accurate processing, including statutory returns and reconciliations.
• Complex Issue Resolution: Serve as an escalation point for complex or high-risk payroll issues, providing operational support during peak periods.
• Compliance Assurance: Ensure adherence to UK payroll legislation, HMRC regulations, and overseas payroll requirements, staying updated with global compliance standards.
• Colleague Development: Foster growth in payroll colleagues through coaching and performance reviews, enhancing their problem-solving capabilities and confidence.
• Reporting Leadership: Lead payroll reporting efforts, producing clear management information, statutory reports, and key performance indicators to drive decision-making and improvement.
• Audit Readiness: Act as a subject matter expert for internal and external payroll audits, ensuring documentation is current and comprehensive.
• Process Improvement: Recommend and support initiatives that enhance payroll efficiency, accuracy, and service quality.

Person Specification:

Knowledge & Skills:

• In-depth understanding of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, and pensions auto-enrolment.
• Proficiency in payroll systems (e.g., Oracle) and reporting platforms (e.g., Power BI).
• Experience with manual payroll calculations and a strong grasp of audit processes.

Experience:

• Proven track record in delivering accurate, timely payroll services within a large-scale organisation.
• Experience managing day-to-day payroll operations and handling complex payroll issues.
• Background in coaching and developing payroll teams, along with supporting system testing and process improvements.

Our client is eager to find a passionate Payroll Specialist who can contribute to their mission of delivering exceptional public services.