Senior Payroll Officer (6-Month Fixed Term Contract - Potential to Extend)

Principality Building Society; Machen; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A financial institution in Wales is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Officer for a 6-month fixed term contract. The role involves overseeing accurate payroll processing, handling complex payroll queries, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of payroll systems and a recognised payroll qualification. This position offers a chance to work in a supportive environment with a focus on teamwork and continuous development.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Private medical insurance

Wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Experience leading complex payroll tasks and regulatory reporting.
• Ability to mentor and supervise payroll administrators.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to leadership.

Responsibilities

• Process payroll accurately and efficiently each month.
• Handle complex payroll queries and provide advice.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations.

Skills

In-depth knowledge of HMRC PAYE regulations and coding

Strong understanding of pension schemes

Proven experience in payroll system operations

Confidence working with Microsoft Excel and Word

Excellent attention to detail

Collaborative team player

Education

A recognised payroll qualification

Job description

Role: Senior Payroll Officer (6-Month Fixed Term Contract - Potential to Extend)

Location: Principality Branch, Caerphilly

Hours: 35 - Talk to us about Flexible Working

Contract Type: Full-Time, Fixed Term Contract

Closing Date: 05 October 2025

Contract Duration: 6-Month Fixed Term Contract - Potential to Extend

BELONG

There's no place like Principality. Our home is your home. When you join the team, we'll bring you a welcoming environment and a flexible benefits package designed around you. We encourage you to look after yourself, support communities, and strive to get better together.

Reasons to consider working with us include an award-winning flexible/hybrid policy, recognition as a UK Best Large Workplace for Women, a refurbished hi-tech office in Cardiff, wellbeing and engagement benefits, and our Belong benefits package designed to put our people first.

Our Careers page provides more information.

Role Summary

A fantastic opportunity has arisen within the Payroll Team for an experienced Senior Payroll Officer. This is a fixed-term position for 6 months with the potential to extend to 9 months.

We're looking for someone who can take the lead on complex payroll tasks and regulatory reporting to help shape the continuous improvement of our payroll systems and processes. You'll play a vital role in ensuring efficient and accurate payroll processing for all Principality staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Process payroll accurately and efficiently each month for all staff
• Handle complex payroll queries and provide advice to employees and stakeholders
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, including quarterly and annual returns
• Lead on the development and continuous improvement of payroll systems
• Mentor, train and supervise Payroll Administrators
• Ensure timely and accurate monthly pension and expense payments
• Be the main point of contact for HMRC, payroll providers, and external stakeholders
• Attend project meetings with HR, Finance, and IT regarding payroll development
• Assist in designing and implementing payroll workflow processes to improve controls and efficiency
• Provide financial reporting and payroll analytics for internal and external use
• Reconcile, authorise and sign off weekly expense payments

What you'll be involved in

• Starter, leaver & contract changes
• Payroll reporting and analytics
• Private medical insurance and pension administration
• Month-end payroll and financial reporting
• Supporting system integration and upgrades
• Ongoing training and mentoring of team members

Technical Skills & Experience

• In-depth knowledge of HMRC PAYE regulations and coding
• Strong understanding of pension schemes, salary sacrifice, and relevant legislation
• Proven experience in payroll system operations and improvements
• Confidence working with Microsoft Excel and Word
• Previous experience implementing new HR/payroll systems
• Comfortable running and presenting reports for finance and HR stakeholders
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to leadership
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail and numeracy
• Collaborative team player, especially across HR and IT functions
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines
• Clear and logical thinking with a solution-focused mindset

Qualifications

• A recognised payroll qualification is essential

At Principality Building Society, we're committed to creating a supportive, inclusive and engaging workplace. You'll be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration, innovation and continuous development. Our most important asset is our people. We value a healthy work-life balance and currently offer a 35-hour work week with our hybrid approach enabling you to have a mix of office days and remote working.

Your base location for this role will be our Head Office, Principality House, The Friary, Cardiff, CF10 3FA

We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and where colleagues feel a sense of belonging