Senior Compensation Operations Analyst

Columbia-Threadneedle-Investments; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is seeking a Compensation Operations professional to execute recurring compensation processes, validate data, and support audits. The role involves reporting, analytics, governance, and year-end readiness, with a focus on accuracy and process improvement.

You will work in an in-office collaboration culture, supporting training and knowledge transfer while balancing multiple priorities in a client-centric environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in Compensation Operations, HR Operations, Payroll, or similar role.
• Workday experience and ability to run UAT/tests.
• Audit and SOX support experience is a plus.
• BI/dashboard reporting experience helps understand metrics and analytics.
• Advanced Excel skills to validate data and prepare reports.

Responsibilities

• Execute recurring Compensation Operations processes with accuracy and timeliness.
• Validate, reconcile, and document data to support audits and readiness.
• Create and maintain reports, dashboards, and analytics for compensation programs.
• Maintain SOPs, documentation, and governance artifacts.
• Support Year-End compensation cycles and testing readiness.
• Assist with training, knowledge transfer, and cross-training within the team.

Skills

Workday

Excel

UAT/testing

Audit/SOX support

BI/Reporting

Analytical skills

Documentation

Tools

Workday

Excel

Job description

About Columbia Threadneedle InvestmentsWorking at Columbia Threadneedle Investments you'll find growth and career opportunities across all of our businesses.We're intentionally built to help you succeed. Our reach is expansive with a global team of 2,300 people working together. Our capability is diverse with more than 550 investment professionals sharing global perspectives across all major asset classes and markets. Our clients have access to a broad array of investment strategies, and we have the capability to create bespoke solutions matched to clients' specific requirements. Our unwavering focus on our clients and strong financial foundation connects each of our enterprise businesses — Ameriprise Financial, Columbia Threadneedle Investments and RiverSource Insurance and Annuities.Job DescriptionWhere you’ll fit in & what our team goals are…You will provide advanced operational execution, validation, controls support, reporting, systems support, readiness activities, and functional capability ownership across Compensation Operations processes.You may serve as a functional capability owner responsible for maintaining documentation, training materials, execution standards, and subject matter expertise within designated Compensation Operations capability areas. You will also independently manage recurring operational processes while supporting execution quality, operational readiness, and continuous improvement.How you'll spend your time...Compensation Operations Execution & AdministrationSupport compensation administration activities through execution of recurring Compensation Operations processes, issue resolution, stakeholder coordination, andoperational support. Independently manage assigned operational work while ensuring quality, accuracy, adherence to established procedures, and timely execution acrosscompensation programs and operational activities.Validation, Audits & ReconciliationsPerform validation, reconciliation, audit, and control activities to support operational accuracy and data integrity. Investigate discrepancies, compare expected versusactual results, identify root causes, and maintain supporting documentation to support audit readiness and operational compliance.Reporting & AnalyticsProduce, analyse, and maintain operational reports, metrics, dashboards, and analytical outputs supporting compensation operations. Identify trends, provideoperational insights, and support business decision-making through accurate reporting and analysis.Documentation & GovernanceMaintain standard operating procedures, documentation, evidence records, and governance artifacts supporting Compensation Operations activities. Reinforce processconsistency, documentation discipline, and operational control requirements while supporting audit readiness and sustainable execution practices.Year-End Readiness & Testing SupportSupport testing, validation, readiness reviews, issue resolution, and execution activities associated with annual compensation cycles and Year-End compensationprograms. Assist with follow-up actions, readiness checkpoints, and operational support necessary for successful execution.Training, Cross-Training & Continuous ImprovementSupport capability development through on-boarding, knowledge transfer, process improvement, and cross-training activities. May serve as a functional capability ownerresponsible for maintaining documentation, supporting training, preserving execution standards, and strengthening organizational continuity within assigned capability area.To be successful in this role you will have...Extensive experience within Compensation Operations, HR Operations, Payroll, HR Systems, or a similar role.Workday experienceCompensation systems experienceUAT/testing experienceAudit and SOX supportBI, dashboard, or reporting experienceWorkflow optimization experienceYear-End compensation-cycle experienceStrong analytical and validation skillsAdvanced Excel capabilitiesExperience managing multiple prioritiesStrong documentation and organizational skillsExperience supporting audits, reconciliations, or controlsAbility to manage assigned capability areas, including documentation, training support, and knowledge transferAbility to independently manage recurring operational processes while balancing multiple priorities and deadlinesIn-Office CollaborationWe are a client-centric, relationship-based business. Working together, in-person, is foundational to how we achieve results. By fostering a culture of face-to-face collaboration, idea sharing, productivity and personal connection, we deliver for our stakeholders — clients, advisors, employees and shareholders. Our employees work in the office at least four (4) days per week, with flexibility to work from home one (1) day per week. Some roles may require additional in-office time or different in-office expectations, and specific requirements will be discussed during the hiring process.Full-Time/Part-TimeFull timeWorker Sub TypePermanentJob Family GroupHuman CapitalColumbia Threadneedle is a people business, and we recognise that our success is due to our talented people, who bring diversity of thought, complementary skills and capabilities. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and performance-based culture where everyone can belong, grow, contribute and realise their potential.We appreciate that work-life balance is an important factor for many when considering their next move so please discuss any flexible working requirements directly with your recruiter.Columbia Threadneedle Investments is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to racial or ethnic background, religion or belief, sex or gender, nationality, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, marital status, pregnancy or maternity or any other basis prohibited by law.We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible recruitment process for individuals with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to aid your participation in the application or interview process, speak to your recruiter to discuss how we can support you.