Payroll Specialist, EMEA

Morningstar; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Morningstar in London is seeking a Payroll Specialist, EMEA, to manage a payroll portfolio and contribute to AI-driven initiatives that improve efficiency and reporting. You will handle monthly data inputs, ensure data accuracy, and support year-end tax requirements while working with outsourced providers.

The role follows a hybrid model with four days in the office and is ideal for someone with 2+ years of payroll experience, strong Excel skills, and an interest in applying AI tools to payroll

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience processing end-to-end EMEA payrolls, UK experience preferred.
• Strong Excel skills and experience with AI/automation tools to improve payroll processes.
• Knowledge of GDPR, SOX, and payroll confidentiality.
• Experience with Workday or UKG preferred.

Responsibilities

• Prepare monthly data inputs for all assigned payrolls and review outputs for accuracy and timeliness.
• Identify, test, and implement AI, automation, and workflow improvements across payroll operations and reporting.
• Maintain payroll processes in line with GDPR and SOX requirements and pension/third-party payroll needs.
• Partner with HR Operations to improve processes and establish new payroll elements.
• Collaborate with Finance to ensure accurate GL reporting and payroll accrual management.
• Assist with annual EMEA payroll legislative submissions outside monthly cycles.
• Manage employee queries in ServiceNow within SLA timelines.
• Support wider EMEA payroll team with implementations and project tasks.

Skills

End-to-end payroll

Excel skills

Data validation

Adaptability

Tools

Workday

UKG

Job description

The Role:

The Payroll Specialist, EMEA will have responsibility for payroll and benefits administration within the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. Based in London and reporting to the Senior Payroll Manager, you will manage your own payroll portfolio independently and work with peers to improve processes across the full payroll cycle.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a minimum of 2+ years of payroll experience and a solid foundation in payroll operations who is keen to develop their expertise further. You’ll have the opportunity to contribute to process improvement initiatives, explore automation opportunities, and collaborate on AI-driven initiatives aimed at enhancing efficiency, reporting, and employee experience.

We’re looking for someone who is excited by the potential of AI and automation and is eager to help shape how these tools can be applied within payroll, from building efficiencies and improving controls to enhancing the employee experience and supporting better business insights.

Key tasks include preparing and validating regular payroll data and other employment-related payments, such as bonuses, commissions, and restricted stock units (RSUs). You will maintain accurate payroll data in partnership with the P&C (HR) Operations team and outsourced payroll providers. You will also support year-end tax requirements and handle services not covered by the existing payroll vendor.

Morningstar follows a hybrid work model, with employees expected to be in the office four days each week.

What you’ll be doing:

• Prepare monthly data inputs for all assigned payrolls and review and process payroll outputs to ensure accuracy, in line with Morningstar’s processing requirements and monthly cut-off dates. Prepare payroll review and validation documents for approvers.

• Identify, test, and implement opportunities to leverage AI, automation, and workflow improvements across payroll operations, reporting, reconciliations, and employee support processes.

• Maintain payroll processes in line with current GDPR and Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) requirements and accurately maintain pension and other third-party payroll requirements across the EMEA region.

• Partner with P&C (HR) Operations to ensure payroll activities are completed accurately and on time, improve processes, and establish new benefits or payroll elements.

• Partner with Finance to ensure accurate payroll-related general ledger reporting, timely payroll accrual management, and continuous improvement of payroll financial processes.

• Assist with annual EMEA payroll legislative submissions outside the monthly payroll cycles.

• Manage and resolve employee queries submitted through ServiceNow within agreed service-level agreement (SLA) timelines.

• Support the wider EMEA Payroll Team with current and future payroll implementations, project work, and related administrative tasks.

What we’re looking for:

• Minimum 2 years’ experience processing end-to-end EMEA payrolls; UK payroll operational experience preferred.

• Strong Excel skills with experience using AI, automation, and digital tools to improve payroll processes, reporting, data validation, and operational efficiency.

• Curiosity for emerging technologies and an interest in exploring AI tools, prompt engineering, AI agents, and automation solutions to streamline processes, improve reporting, and enhance the employee experience.

• Detail-oriented with a proactive, adaptable approach to payroll operations.

• Understanding of payroll confidentiality, GDPR requirements, and relevant payroll legislation.

• Excellent organisational, interpersonal, and time management skills.

• Experience with Workday and UKG preferred.

The Group:

The EMEA Payroll team processes payroll for Morningstar’s major markets in the region in partnership with outsourced payroll providers, including UKG. The team works with P&C (HR) Operations to maintain accurate payroll data and support employees with payroll queries.

Base Salary Compensation Range

GBP 41,800.00-55,733.33

Bonus Target:

7.5% Annual

We expect the compensation and target bonus for this role to fall within the stated range. The specific compensation offered will depend on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, and other job-related factors.

Morningstar’s hybrid work environment gives you the opportunity to collaborate in-person each week as we’ve found that we’re at our best when we’re purposely together on a regular basis. In most of our locations, our hybrid work model is four days in-office each week. A range of other benefits are also available to enhance flexibility as needs change. No matter where you are, you’ll have tools and resources to engage meaningfully with your global colleagues.

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