Payroll Specialist (Maternity Cover)

OEConnection LLC; Newbury, Chelmsford; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

OEConnection LLC is seeking a UK payroll specialist for a fixed-term maternity cover role in Newbury, with hybrid work options (2 days in office, 3 days at home). You will own UK payroll for 200+ staff and support regional payrolls, ensuring alignment with UK law, HMRC regulations, and cross-border requirements.

You will liaise with in-country vendors, manage benefits, run payroll inputs, and deliver accurate monthly reports while maintaining data privacy and confidentiality.

Qualifications

• At least 3 years UK payroll experience in a global or shared services setting.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Hands-on experience with P11D, benefits in kind, pension auto-enrolment and P45/P60.
• Familiarity with GDPR and cross-border data handling.
• Proficient Excel and reporting skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication; able to manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end UK payroll operations for 200+ employees with growth potential.
• Prepare payroll inputs for EMEA/APAC with vendors and EoR assistance.
• Collaborate with payroll vendors and HR to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Maintain knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory obligations.
• Review monthly payroll reports and statutory filings.
• Process inputs for new hires, leavers, bonuses and other compensation.
• Manage and track benefits across all locations.
• Coordinate with Finance for fund transfers and planning.
• Serve as the primary payroll contact; investigate discrepancies.
• Maintain confidentiality of pay and HR records; audit-ready reporting.

Skills

UK payroll

HMRC compliance

P11D & benefits in kind

GDPR

Excel proficiency

data privacy & cross-border data

multitasking

communication skills

Education

Associate degree

Tools

ADP payroll software

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.

Experience, Skills and Key Competencies

Essential

• 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.