Payroll Specialist

Stadium MK Ltd; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent company in payroll services is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist in Milton Keynes. This role involves processing payroll, ensuring compliance with UK legislation, and supporting audits. The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of experience with payroll systems and a strong understanding of PAYE and NIC processes. Excellent communication and numerical skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience in UK payroll.
• Strong understanding of PAYE, NIC, and statutory payroll processes.
• Excellent numerical and IT skills, especially Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver monthly payroll cycles according to HMRC deadlines.
• Resolve discrepancies in pay and tax codes.
• Communicate payroll matters clearly to employees.

Skills

UK payroll processing expertise

Communication skills

Numerical skills

IT skills

Education

CIPP qualification (or working towards)

Tools

Sage

Xero

ADP

Job description

To ensure timely, accurate, and compliant processing of payroll for multiple business entities. The Payroll Specialist will maintain high standards of confidentiality and accuracy while administering PAYE, NIC, pension auto-enrolment, and other statutory requirements in accordance with UK legislation. Role Competencies: Planning Timescales:

• Plan and deliver monthly payroll cycles, ensuring all statutory submissions and payments are processed within HMRC and pension deadlines.
• Organise and prioritise tasks to manage payroll across multiple departments, accommodating changes such as new starters, leavers, and variable pay data.
• Support longer-term planning such as year-end reporting (P60s, P11Ds) and system updates.
• Monitor changes in payroll legislation and proactively implement necessary adjustments.
Decision Making:
• Make timely and accurate payroll decisions, including adjustments and corrections, within scope of responsibility.
• Use judgment to resolve discrepancies in pay, tax codes, and pension contributions.
• Escalate complex issues appropriately while taking ownership of routine payroll decisions.
Impact and Influence:
• Act as a reliable point of contact for payroll-related queries across departments.
• Clearly communicate payroll matters to employees, explaining deductions, entitlements, and tax implications.
• Support Finance in interpreting payroll data for internal reporting and audits.
Skill Level:
• Demonstrate specialist knowledge in UK payroll processing, including experience with Real Time Information (RTI), statutory payments (SSP, SMP, etc.), and pension administration.
• Operate various payroll software systems (e.g., Sage, Xero, ADP) with accuracy and confidence.
• Deliver technical support to colleagues, maintain data accuracy, and advise on best practices.
Communication:
• Communicate clearly and professionally with employees, managers, and external bodies (e.g., HMRC).
• Prepare standard communications such as payslips, payroll notifications, and legislative updates.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance to ensure data consistency.
Budget Management:
• Demonstrate awareness of payroll's impact on departmental and company-wide budgets.
• Accurately calculate payroll costs and provide reports to assist with financial planning and control.
Lead and Develop:
• Provide guidance on payroll processes and system use to junior staff or team members when required.
• Maintain continuous professional development, staying informed of changes to payroll law and software enhancements.
• Take initiative in improving payroll accuracy and process efficiency.
Operating Parameters:
• Work within established company policies and statutory payroll frameworks.
• Maintain accurate payroll records, ensuring data confidentiality in accordance with GDPR.
• Respond to internal audits and external inspections (e.g., HMRC, pension regulator) with professionalism and accuracy.
  
  Minimum 2 years' experience in UK payroll. (E)
• Strong understanding of PAYE, NIC, and statutory payroll processes. (E)
• Proficient in payroll software (e.g., Sage, Xero, IRIS, ADP). (E)
• Excellent numerical and IT skills, especially Microsoft Excel. (E)
• Able to manage sensitive information with discretion. (E)
• Clear written and verbal communication skills. (E)
• CIPP qualification (or working towards). (E)
• Experience managing payroll for multiple sites or legal entities. (D)
• Familiarity with finance reconciliation and payroll reporting requirements. (D)