Payroll Specialist (Maternity Cover)

OEC; Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

OEC is seeking a UK payroll specialist for a 12-month fixed-term maternity cover. The role oversees UK payroll for 200+ staff and supports payroll delivery in EMEA and APAC via in-country vendors. Hybrid arrangement: 2 days in the office, 3 days remote.

You will ensure accurate processing, stay compliant with UK HMRC rules, and coordinate with HR and Finance for data integrity and timely payments.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years UK payroll experience in a global/SSO setup.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Hands-on with P11D, benefits in kind, pension auto-enrolment, P45/P60.
• Familiar with GDPR and cross-border data handling; confidential data handling.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end UK payroll operations for 200+ employees.
• Prepare payroll inputs for EMEA/APAC regions with vendors and EoR.
• Collaborate with payroll vendors and HR to ensure data integrity.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UK payroll regulations and filings.
• Review monthly payroll reports and statutory filings.
• Process inputs for hires, leavers, bonuses and compensation elements.
• Manage and track benefits across locations.
• Coordinate with Finance on fund transfers and planning.
• Serve as primary contact for payroll inquiries and issue resolution.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of pay and HR records.
• Prepare payroll reports for audit and record-keeping.

Skills

Excel

UK payroll

Data privacy

Analytical thinking

Communication

Multi-tasking

Problem solving

Education

Associate degree

Tools

ADP payroll software

Global payroll platforms

Job description

Fixed-term contract – 12 months (maternity cover)

Location: Newbury or Chelmsford | Hybrid: 2 days in office, 3 days working from home

Role Overview

This role owns UK payroll operations and supports payroll delivery for a number of international locations. The successful candidate will ensure accurate and timely payroll processing in compliance with UK legislation and HMRC requirements, local regulations in supported countries, company policies and international standards. The role requires a deep understanding of UK payroll, payroll systems, labour law and best practice.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Own end-to-end UK payroll operations for 200+ employees, with scope to grow as headcount increases.
• Prepare and manage payroll input sheets for EMEA and APAC regions, working with in-country payroll vendors, managed payrolls and an EoR to ensure accurate and timely processing.
• Collaborate with payroll vendors and HR to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and statutory obligations, and of local requirements in supported countries with support from in‑country vendors.
• Review monthly payroll reports and statutory filings.
• Process payroll inputs, including new hires, leavers, bonuses/commissions and all other compensation elements.
• Manage and track benefits across all supported locations.
• Collaborate with Finance to request fund transfers and assist with financial planning.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll enquiries; identify, investigate and resolve reported discrepancies.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of employee pay and HR records.
• Complete payroll reports for record‑keeping, managerial review and audit purposes.

Education

An associate degree from an accredited college or university is required. In the absence of a degree, equivalent work experience directly related to the key responsibilities of the role will be considered as a substitute for the degree.

Essential

Experience, Skills and Key Competencies

• At least 3 years’ UK payroll experience, ideally within a global organisation or shared services environment.
• Strong, up‑to‑date knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Hands‑on experience with P11D and benefits in kind (company cars, private healthcare), statutory payments, pension auto‑enrolment, cost centre coding, and P45/P60 processing.
• Familiarity with data privacy and cross‑border data handling regulations (GDPR).
• Strong organisational, analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Attention to detail and a commitment to confidentiality, maintaining data accuracy and compliance.
• High proficiency in Excel.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.

Desirable

• Experience using ADP payroll software.
• Experience working with international payroll platforms and vendors.
• In‑depth understanding of global payroll practices.