Temporary Payroll/AP Controller (Book-keeper)

Marc Daniels; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global events company in West London is seeking a temporary Finance Assistant to handle payroll processes and accounts payable tasks. The role requires 1–3 years of payroll administration experience and strong Excel skills. Ideal candidates should have a flexible attitude and be able to start immediately. This position offers two days a week on-site work.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of payroll administration experience, ideally in a multi–country or outsourced payroll environment.
• Familiarity with managed payroll providers preferred.
• Strong Excel skills and comfort with HRIS and finance software systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the end-to-end payroll process across assigned countries or entities.
• Setting up vendors, processing the vendor and managing the payment according to vendor payment terms.

Skills

Payroll administration experience

Excel skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Job description

A newly created temporary position, working for a global, leading events, arts and entertainment company, easily accessible by tube, based in West London, 2 days a week on site.

A pivotal role in the HO finance team, reporting into the FD, this a dual role with an initial focus on reducing a backlog of accounts payable invoices on SAP, combined with a wider remit to oversee the collation of the payroll for submittal to managed service providers.

Key Responsibilities – Payroll

• Assist in the end–to–end payroll process across assigned countries or entities in partnership with managed service vendors.
• Collect and validate payroll input data, including new hires, terminations, variable pay, and employee changes.
• Prepare and review payroll instructions for accuracy and completeness before submission to vendors.
• Review preliminary and final payroll reports for accuracy and ensure discrepancies are resolved prior to payment.
• Support payroll funding and payment processes, including coordination of approvals and remittance confirmations.
• Assist in reconciliation of payroll accounts and support Finance with month–end reporting.
• Respond to employee payroll–related inquiries and elevate complex cases as needed.
• Support audits, compliance checks, and year–end reporting activities.
• Partner with HR and Finance to ensure an accurate flow of data between systems.

Key Responsibilities – Accounts Payable

• Setting up vendors, processing the vendor and managing the payment in accordance with vendor payment terms
• Ensuring the AP is appropriately accounted for within the corporate ledger.

Candidate profile:

• Available immediately and happy to start work on a temporary basis (Temp to perm would be considered but is not guaranteed.)
• Able to commute to West London by tube (parking is not guaranteed)
• A flexible attitude and able to work in fast paced and ever changing priorities (experience in a start up is ideal but not essential.)
• 1–3 years of payroll administration experience, ideally in a multi–country or outsourced payroll environment.
• Familiarity with managed payroll providers (Vistra, ActivPay, or similar global payroll vendors) preferred.
• Familiarity with basic accounting processes and principles.
• Basic understanding of payroll processes, tax regulations, and compliance requirements.
• Strong Excel skills and comfort with HRIS and finance software systems.
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and data integrity.
• Strong organizational and communication skills with the ability to meet deadlines.