Payroll Specialist

Wade Macdonald; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Wade Macdonald is recruiting a Payroll Specialist for a 6-month assignment in Theale. The role is hybrid and focuses on owning the monthly payroll, managing commissions, and aiding a system migration. You will work with senior leadership, Finance and HR to ensure timely and accurate payroll processing and compliance.

The ideal candidate has proven UK payroll experience, strong Excel skills and the ability to communicate with senior stakeholders while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing UK payroll independently with PAYE, NI, statutory payments and pensions.
• Experience handling complex commissions and payroll system migrations is essential.
• Strong Excel skills and meticulous attention to detail are required.

Responsibilities

• Own the complete monthly payroll cycle end-to-end and ensure accurate payments.
• Manage payroll amendments for joiners, departures, salary changes and pensions.
• Calculate and verify commission payments and incentive schemes.
• Review variable remuneration and ensure correct rates and conditions.
• Prepare payroll reconciliations and management information for approval.
• Oversee HMRC requirements and pension obligations.
• Respond to employee pay enquiries confidentially and professionally.
• Assist with introducing a new payroll platform and data transfers.
• Collaborate with HR to improve payroll administration and data flow.
• Support Finance Director and strengthen payroll controls.

Skills

UK payroll

PAYE knowledge

Excel skills

Stakeholder communication

Job description

Payroll Specialist 6 Months – Theale – Hybrid - £28,000 - £35,000 per annum (depending on experience)

About the Client

Our client is an established organisation based in Theale and they need someone who can join the team for 6 Months initially ASAP!

About the Job

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Payroll Specialist to take ownership of the monthly payroll function during a six-month assignment. Working closely with senior leadership, Finance and HR, you will oversee payroll operations, manage complex commission arrangements and play an important role in transitioning to a new payroll system.

Duties will include:

• Taking responsibility for the complete monthly payroll cycle, ensuring employees receive accurate payments within agreed timescales.
• Managing payroll amendments, including new joiners, departures, salary adjustments, pensions and statutory entitlements.
• Liaising with senior stakeholders to calculate and verify commission payments, incentive schemes and guaranteed earnings.
• Reviewing variable remuneration arrangements to ensure different commission rates and payment conditions are applied correctly.
• Preparing payroll reconciliations and management information for authorisation.
• Overseeing HMRC requirements, pension obligations and associated payroll compliance.
• Responding to employee pay enquiries professionally, maintaining discretion and confidentiality.
• Assisting with the introduction of a new payroll platform, including transferring information, checking accuracy and conducting test runs.
• Collaborating with HR to enhance payroll administration and improve the flow of employee information.
• Providing additional assistance to the Finance Director and identifying opportunities to strengthen existing procedures.
• Maintaining comprehensive payroll documentation and effective internal controls.

About the Successful Applicant

You will have proven experience managing UK payroll independently, with sound knowledge of PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments and pensions. Experience handling complex commissions and payroll system migrations is essential, alongside strong Excel skills. You will be organised, detail-oriented and confident communicating with senior stakeholders.

What You Will Receive in Return

Working within a supportive and collaborative team, you will gain valuable exposure to senior stakeholders and play a key role in improving payroll processes and implementing a new system. This is an excellent opportunity to apply your expertise, broaden your experience and make an immediate impact.