Senior Payroll Specialist

Wade Macdonald; Wallingford; Remote; GBP 38,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in South Oxfordshire seeks a Senior Payroll Specialist responsible for overseeing payroll and pensions for over 30 UK and European entities. This key role involves ensuring compliance with legislation, managing a team, and improving processes within a collaborative and people-focused environment. Candidates should have strong analytical skills and a solid understanding of UK and European payroll practices.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Generous pension scheme

Private health cover

Life assurance

Access to wellbeing initiatives

Global networking events

Internal mentoring schemes

Qualifications

• Experienced payroll professional with strong understanding of UK legislation.
• Confident in managing outsourced payroll providers.
• Proficient in payroll systems and intermediate Excel capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Managing monthly payroll for approximately 650 employees.
• Leading a small team of offshore payroll administrators.
• Ensuring compliance with HMRC and pension regulations.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical skills

Education

CIPP qualification

Job description

Senior Payroll Specialist - South Oxfordshire - £38,000 / £45,000 - Remote working

About the Client
Wade Macdonald are currently working with an organisation that manages a broad portfolio of companies across the UK and Europe. Their culture promotes growth and continuous improvement, where learning is valued and challenges are seen as opportunities.

About the Job
This is a key position within the finance function, responsible for overseeing payroll and pensions for more than 30 UK and European entities. Working alongside international payroll providers and supporting a team based offshore, the role ensures compliance with legislation and upholds high standards of accuracy and confidentiality.

Duties will include:

• Managing monthly payroll and pensions for approximately 650 employees
• Leading and supporting a small team of offshore payroll administrators
• Acting as a liaison with UK and European outsourced payroll partners
• Collaborating with HR and business leaders to maintain data accuracy
• Preparing payroll reports and supporting finance business partners with insights
• Ensuring appropriate intercompany allocations and reconciling related accounts
• Managing compliance with HMRC and pension regulations
• Supporting onboarding of new acquisitions and participating in audit processes
• Maintaining pension scheme administration and handling auto-enrolment
• Identifying and implementing process improvements

About the Successful Applicant
You will be an experienced payroll professional with a strong understanding of UK legislation and a working knowledge of European payroll practices. Confident in managing outsourced providers and supporting a small team, you will bring keen attention to detail and strong analytical skills. A CIPP qualification would be advantageous, although solid experience in a similar role is essential, along with proficiency in payroll systems and intermediate Excel capabilities.

What You Will Receive in Return
You’ll join a collaborative, people-centred environment that champions professional development and flexibility. Benefits include 25 days holiday, generous pension scheme, private health cover, life assurance, access to various wellbeing initiatives and remote working. You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in global networking events and internal mentoring schemes as part of a thriving international group.