Senior Payroll Specialist

Virtu Financial; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A global financial services firm is seeking a Senior Payroll Specialist to manage payroll processes for their European operations. The ideal candidate will have at least 8 years of experience, strong UK and Ireland payroll knowledge, and will ensure compliance with tax laws. This role offers a hybrid working model and a collaborative culture in a fast-paced environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Discretionary bonus

Professional development opportunities

Fully stocked kitchen

Hot lunches provided

Work events, such as Summer and Christmas Parties

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of experience in payroll processing, preferably in a multinational environment.
• Deep knowledge of UK & Ireland payroll regulations and tax systems.
• Experience handling sensitive employee data with professionalism and discretion.

Responsibilities

• Manage and process payroll across multiple European jurisdictions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant tax laws and social security obligations.
• Liaise with external payroll providers and internal stakeholders for accurate data flow.

Skills

Payroll processing

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Excel proficiency

Tools

Activ Payroll

Workday

Job description

Location:

London, United Kingdom (Hybrid Working)

Job Type:

Full-Time

Department:

Human Resources

Reports To:

Global Head of HR

About Virtu Financial

Virtu Financial is a global financial services firm that leverages cutting-edge technology to deliver liquidity to the global markets and innovative, transparent trading solutions to clients. Our success is driven by a commitment to excellence, efficiency, and integrity.

Position Summary

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Payroll Specialist to join our London-based team. The successful candidate will take ownership of payroll processes across our European operations, ensuring timely and accurate delivery while remaining compliant with all relevant local legislation.

This is a critical role within our HR and Finance functions, ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, regulated environment and has a solid background in EU payroll. Experience in the financial services sector is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and process payroll across multiple European jurisdictions.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant tax laws and social security obligations.
• Liaise with external payroll providers and internal stakeholders to ensure accurate data flow and reporting.
• Administer statutory and company-specific payroll-related benefits and deductions.
• Prepare and submit required payroll reports to government agencies (e.g., HMRC, Revenue Ireland).
• Ensure year-end processes (P60s, P11Ds, etc.) are completed accurately and on time.
• Maintain and update payroll records in accordance with GDPR and internal policies.
• Reconcile payroll reports with finance systems and support audits as required.
• Provide payroll-related support for internal mop projects and process improvement initiatives.
• Stay informed of legislative changes impacting payroll across relevant jurisdictions.

Requirements

• Minimum 8 years of experience in payroll processing, preferably in a multinational environment.
• Deep knowledge of UK & Ireland payroll regulations and tax systems.
• Strong attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy.
• Experience handling sensitive employee data with professionalism and discretion.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Activ Payroll, and Workday.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work setting.

Preferred

• Knowledge of Irish tax and payroll regulations.
• Previous experience working in the financial services sector or a regulated environment.
• Experience managing payroll across other European countries.
• Further experience with general HR matters a plus.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and discretionary bonus.
• Hybrid working model: a minimum of 3 days in the office.
• A collaborative and innovative work culture.
• Opportunity to work in a global, fast-paced financial services firm.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Fully stocked kitchen for breakfast and snacks.
• Hot lunches provided.
• Work events, such as Summer and Christmas Parties.