Payroll Specialist

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

Job summary

Wade Macdonald is recruiting a Payroll Specialist for a six-month assignment in Theale, offering hybrid working arrangements. The role oversees the complete monthly payroll cycle, manages amendments and commissions, and supports the transition to a new payroll platform.

You will liaise with senior stakeholders and ensure compliance with PAYE, NI, pensions and HMRC requirements. The ideal candidate has proven experience managing UK payroll end-to-end, strong Excel skills, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing UK payroll independently.
• Knowledge of PAYE, National Insurance, and statutory payments.
• Experience with pensions and complex commissions.
• Strong Excel and data-handling skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly payroll cycle and ensure timely, accurate payments.
• Handle payroll amendments: joins, departures, salary changes, pensions.
• Calculate and verify commissions and incentive payments.
• Oversee payroll compliance, HMRC obligations and payroll testing.
• Assist with a new payroll platform migration and data transfer.
• Collaborate with HR to improve payroll processes and data flow.
• Provide reporting and MI to Finance leadership.

Skills

UK payroll

PAYE & NI

Excel

Stakeholder comms

HR/Finance liaison

Tools

Payroll software

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.