Payroll Specialist (Fixed Term Contract, 9-12 Months), Leeds (4 days in the office) 48

TN United Kingdom; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 48,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Payroll Specialist for a crucial fixed-term role in Leeds. This position involves leading the transition of payroll operations to an external provider while ensuring compliance and accuracy in payroll processing. The ideal candidate will possess a CIPP qualification and demonstrate strong analytical skills, along with advanced Excel proficiency. This role not only requires technical expertise but also excellent communication skills to build relationships at all levels. Join a dynamic team and contribute to enhancing payroll efficiency and employee service.

Qualifications

• Proven payroll management experience with a CIPP qualification or equivalent.
• Strong analytical skills and advanced proficiency in Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll operations transition to an external provider, ensuring compliance.
• Oversee payroll processing and manage calculations for bonuses and benefits.

Skills

CIPP qualification

Payroll management experience

Advanced Excel proficiency

Analytical skills

Experience with payroll/HR systems

Change management experience

Job description

Payroll Specialist (Fixed Term Contract, 9–12 Months), Leeds (4 days in the office) 48k

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist for a 9–12 month fixed-term contract to lead our payroll function and support the transition to an external payroll provider. This role is critical in ensuring accurate, timely payroll processing and compliance, while delivering excellent service to our employees.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the transition of payroll operations to an external provider, including process mapping, data migration, and knowledge transfer.
• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for all employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with policies and regulations.
• Manage payroll calculations, including bonuses, tronc, statutory leave, and site tips allocation.
• Produce payroll-related reports, reconciliations, budgets, and forecasts; support internal and external audits.
• Maintain and manage payroll systems, collaborating with IT and HR to resolve issues and implement improvements.
• Serve as the main point of contact for payroll inquiries, delivering exceptional employee service.
• Ensure compliance with payroll regulations, tax requirements, and manage year-end and HMRC reporting.
• Prepare and manage employee benefits data (pensions, P11Ds, company cars, private healthcare).
• Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies within the payroll function.

Key Skills & Attributes:

• CIPP qualification (or equivalent) with proven payroll management experience.
• Strong commercial acumen, analytical skills, and advanced Excel proficiency.
• Experience with payroll/HR systems implementation and process improvement.
• Excellent communicator, able to build relationships and challenge at all levels.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently or as part of a team.
• Experience supporting change management and upskilling people managers.