Senior Payroll Specialist

The Methodist Church in Britain; Swindon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

UKS Shared Services (UKSBS) is recruiting for a payroll specialist to provide expert guidance on payroll processes and compliance. You will handle complex queries, manage in-year and year-end cycles, and test patches that affect payroll systems.

The role requires hands-on experience with Workday and a strong focus on accuracy and customer service. You will collaborate with internal teams, ensure timely BACS submissions, and maintain HMRC Gateway accounts while keeping up-to-date with evolving

Qualifications

• Maths and English GCSE grade A-C, or equivalent experience.
• Experience managing large or multiple payrolls.
• Hands-on proficiency with payroll systems, such as Workday.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialist payroll advice to internal teams and clients.
• Respond to complex payroll queries, escalating where required.
• Review, validate and guide on multi-year overpayment calculations.
• Own the in-year and year-end payroll processes for clients.
• Test payroll-impacting system patches and monthly releases.
• Act as main payroll contact for change requests and ensure smooth BAU integration.
• Support monthly BACS submissions, including reconciliation and approvals.
• Reconcile PAYE, NICs and statutory deductions, submit EPS/RTI and maintain HMRC Gateway accounts.
• Identify and close payroll knowledge gaps across the team.
• Contribute to developing and implementing process improvements.
• Keep up to date with payroll legislation, policies and best practice.

Skills

Payroll advice

Complex queries

Overpayment calculations

Workday

BAU payroll knowledge

Excel

Communication

Education

GCSE Maths & English A-C or equivalent

Tools

Workday

Payroll software

Job description

The post sits in the Payroll team at UKSBS, a shared service provider that runs payroll for several public-sector clients. The work centres on specialist advice, complex queries and overpayment calculations, and owning the in-year and year-end payroll cycles. It is distinct for its multi-platform setting, where patch testing, change requests and a system such as Workday all shape the work. Fit depends on hands-on manual gross-to-net calculation, which the advert treats as essential.

What the job involves

• Provide specialist payroll advice to internal teams and clients
• Respond to complex payroll queries, escalating where required
• Review, validate and guide on multi-year overpayment calculations
• Own the in-year and year-end payroll processes for clients
• Test payroll-impacting system patches and monthly releases
• Act as main payroll contact for change requests and ensure smooth BAU integration
• Support monthly BACS submissions, including reconciliation and approvals
• Reconcile PAYE, NICs and statutory deductions, submit EPS/RTI and maintain HMRC Gateway accounts
• Identify and close payroll knowledge gaps across the team
• Contribute to developing and implementing process improvements
• Keep up to date with payroll legislation, policies and best practice
• Support occasional projects and other work aligned to business need

Qualifications

• Maths and English GCSE grade A-C, or equivalent experience

Experience

• Previous payroll experience managing large or multiple payrolls
• Hands-on proficiency with payroll systems, such as Workday

Skills & knowledge

• Strong knowledge of payroll processes, legislation and best practice
• Manual gross-to-net and overpayment calculation
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail
• Translating complex payroll topics for non-experts
• Strong Excel and Microsoft Office skills
• Strong oral and written communication, including challenging conversations and complaints

Checks & eligibility

• Background, identity and criminal record checks
• UK residence for normally the last five years
• Security clearance (National Security Vetting), if required

Other

• Commitment to customer-focused service excellence
• Interpreting and presenting complex data to different audiences
• High degree of numeracy

Nice to have

• Experience in public sector payroll services
• CIPP Advanced Technician or Payroll Specialist qualification