Payroll Specialist (Leeds)

Whatsoninleeds; Leeds; On-site; GBP 48,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Leeds is seeking a Payroll Specialist for a fixed-term contract of 9-12 months. This role is essential for leading the payroll function and ensuring compliance while delivering exceptional service to employees. Candidates should have a CIPP qualification and strong experience in payroll management, along with excellent analytical and communication skills.

Qualifications

• Proven payroll management experience required.
• Experience with payroll/HR systems implementation.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transition of payroll operations to an external provider.
• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for all employees.
• Ensure compliance with payroll regulations and manage year-end reporting.

Skills

Analytical skills

Advanced Excel proficiency

Commercial acumen

Excellent communication

Detail-oriented

Education

CIPP qualification (or equivalent)

Job description

Full Job Description

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

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager 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:

1. Lead the transition of payroll operations to an external provider, including process mapping, data migration, and knowledge transfer.
2. Oversee end-to-end payroll processing for all employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance with policies and regulations.
3. Manage payroll calculations, including bonuses, tronc, statutory leave, and site tips allocation.
4. Produce payroll-related reports, reconciliations, budgets, and forecasts; support internal and external audits.
5. Maintain and manage payroll systems, collaborating with IT and HR to resolve issues and implement improvements.
6. Serve as the main point of contact for payroll inquiries, delivering exceptional employee service.
7. Ensure compliance with payroll regulations, tax requirements, and manage year-end and HMRC reporting.
8. Prepare and manage employee benefits data (pensions, P11Ds, company cars, private healthcare).
9. 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.