Senior Payroll Specialist

Morson Talent; London; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in London is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Lead for a 2-month contract. You will oversee payroll for approximately 6,000 employees, ensuring accuracy and compliance. The ideal candidate has over 10 years of payroll experience, strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, and proven leadership abilities. This role offers an attractive daily rate and the chance to work in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 10+ years payroll experience, ideally in a managed service or outsourcing environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll processes, legislation, and compliance.
• Experience in large, complex organisations, preferably within shared services.

Responsibilities

• Oversee end-to-end payroll for around 6,000 employees.
• Act as the main escalation point for complex payroll queries.
• Drive automation and process improvements.

Skills

Payroll experience

UK payroll processes knowledge

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Oracle HCM

Advanced Excel

Education

Professional payroll qualification (e.g., CIPP)

Job description

Role: Senior Payroll Lead 2 Month Contract

Location: London, Greater London

Job Type: Temporary 2 Month Contract

Pay: £475 - £550 Per Day Umbrella Rate

Role Purpose

Morson are partnering exclusively with a global business to with offices across the UK in their search for a Senior Payroll Lead. This role will be a short-term contract to support the Payroll Function as well as the wider Finance Function.

You ll play a critical role in the continued automation and enhancement of payroll processes, ensuring strong data quality controls and effective use of analytics. This position will lead digital transformation initiatives, manage end-to-end operational delivery, and foster strong partnerships with both internal stakeholders and the external managed service provider.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Payroll Lead:

• Oversee end-to-end payroll for around 6,000 employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.
• Act as the main escalation point for complex payroll queries, providing expert guidance and resolution.
• Track and improve payroll performance using KPIs and data analysis.
• Drive automation and process improvements through digital solutions and system enhancements.
• Work closely with the managed service provider to optimise processes and maintain data quality.
• Lead, develop, and support payroll team members.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Pensions, and Compliance to streamline payroll-related processes.
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, data security standards, and company policies.
• Support wider people programs, including Talent, Reward, and Diversity & Inclusion initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with employees, managers, and payroll partners.

What we are looking for:

• 10+ years payroll experience, ideally in a managed service or outsourcing environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll processes, legislation, and compliance.
• Experience in large, complex organisations, preferably within shared services.
• Skilled in Oracle HCM (or similar systems) and advanced Excel.
• Proven leadership and stakeholder management abilities.
• Analytical, detail-focused, and solutions-driven.
• Able to work independently and in fast-paced, collaborative environments.
• Professional payroll qualification (e.g., CIPP) an advantage.

If you re looking to bring your technical accounting expertise into a business with exciting growth ambitions and a supportive, collaborative culture, this could be your ideal next move.

To be considered for this fantastic opportunity, you must APPLY NOW, making sure to attach your up-to-date CV.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial telephone interview. If selected from the shortlist, a formal interview process will then begin.