Regional Payroll Specialist

The Gowan Co.; Hatching Green; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Gowan Co. is seeking a Regional Payroll Specialist to own the operational delivery, financial integrity and statutory compliance of payroll across EMEA, the UK and designated APAC entities.

The role partners with HR, Finance and outsourced payroll providers to ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll while maintaining strong financial controls. Lead payroll governance, drive continuous improvement, and support month-end close with robust analytics.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' multi-country payroll experience.
• Strong UK payroll and HMRC knowledge.
• Experience with outsourced payroll providers (e.g. ADP).
• Payroll accounting, journals and reconciliations.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end payroll lifecycle across regions.
• Manage payroll journals, accruals and reconciliations.
• Ensure PAYE, NI, pensions, PSA compliance.
• Partner with HR and outsourced providers for payroll activities.
• Drive automation and standardization in payroll processes.

Skills

UK payroll

HMRC knowledge

Payroll accounting

Excel advanced

ADP experience

JD Edwards

CIPP qualification

Analytical skills

Multinational experience

Education

CIPP qualification

Tools

JD Edwards

Job description

Role Purpose

The Regional Payroll Specialist is responsible for owning the operational delivery, financial integrity and statutory compliance of payroll across EMEA, the UK and designated APAC entities. Working closely with HR, Finance and outsourced payroll providers, the role ensures payroll operations are delivered accurately, compliantly and on time while maintaining strong financial controls, supporting month-end close activities and driving continuous improvement across regional payroll processes. The role combines payroll expertise with financial analysis, governance and business partnering to support the wider Finance organisation.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a proactive, analytical and commercially minded payroll professional who combines strong technical payroll expertise with financial acumen and a passion for operational excellence. The successful candidate will take ownership, build trusted relationships and continuously improve payroll processes across a multi-country environment.

Role Scope

• Regional payroll operations across EMEA, the UK and designated APAC entities
• Payroll accounting and financial reporting
• HMRC statutory compliance
• ADP and outsourced payroll provider management
• Payroll governance, controls and audit readiness
• Payroll transformation and continuous improvement
• Payroll master data governance and integrity

Key Accountabilities

Operational Excellence: Own the end-to-end payroll lifecycle, ensuring accurate, compliant and timely payroll delivery.

Financial Stewardship: Own payroll journals, accruals, balance sheet reconciliations, variance analysis, budgeting support, payroll-related intercompany cross-charges, and ensure timely resolution of reconciling items.

Governance & Regulatory Compliance: Manage PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, P11D, PAYE Settlement Agreements (PSA), statutory tax payments, payroll tax reconciliations, and maintain a robust internal control environment, ensuring compliance with company policies, approval workflows, segregation of duties, and regulatory requirements.

Business Partnership: Partner with HR, Finance, business leaders and outsourced providers while coordinating bonus administration.

Continuous Improvement: Drive automation, standardization, SOP ownership, payroll system enhancements, acquisitions, onboarding activities, and support Finance transformation initiatives related to payroll processes and reporting.

Performance & Analytics: Develop and monitor payroll KPIs, payroll provider performance, payroll accuracy metrics, reconciliation status, and identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and service quality.

Experience & Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' multi-country payroll experience
• Strong UK payroll and HMRC knowledge
• Experience with outsourced payroll providers (e.g. ADP)
• Payroll accounting, journals and reconciliations
• Advanced Microsoft Excel
• ERP experience preferably JD Edwards
• Experience working within a multinational organization
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• CIPP qualification (or working towards)