Strategic Payroll Lead (6-Month Hybrid)

Wade Macdonald; Theale; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Wade Macdonald is recruiting a Payroll Specialist for a six-month assignment in Theale, offering hybrid working arrangements. The role oversees the complete monthly payroll cycle, manages amendments and commissions, and supports the transition to a new payroll platform.

You will liaise with senior stakeholders and ensure compliance with PAYE, NI, pensions and HMRC requirements. The ideal candidate has proven experience managing UK payroll end-to-end, strong Excel skills, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing UK payroll independently.
• Knowledge of PAYE, National Insurance, and statutory payments.
• Experience with pensions and complex commissions.
• Strong Excel and data-handling skills.

Responsibilities

• Own the monthly payroll cycle and ensure timely, accurate payments.
• Handle payroll amendments: joins, departures, salary changes, pensions.
• Calculate and verify commissions and incentive payments.
• Oversee payroll compliance, HMRC obligations and payroll testing.
• Assist with a new payroll platform migration and data transfer.
• Collaborate with HR to improve payroll processes and data flow.
• Provide reporting and MI to Finance leadership.

Skills

UK payroll

PAYE & NI

Excel

Stakeholder comms

HR/Finance liaison

Tools

Payroll software

Job description

Wade Macdonald is recruiting a Payroll Specialist for a six-month assignment in Theale, offering hybrid working arrangements. The role oversees the complete monthly payroll cycle, manages amendments and commissions, and supports the transition to a new payroll platform.

You will liaise with senior stakeholders and ensure compliance with PAYE, NI, pensions and HMRC requirements. The ideal candidate has proven experience managing UK payroll end-to-end, strong Excel skills, and the ability to