Payroll Specialist – Perm

Oliver James Associates Ltd.; Dublin; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver James Associates Ltd. in Dublin is seeking an experienced payroll professional to manage end-to-end payroll for weekly and monthly runs across multiple entities. You will handle euro and sterling payments, ensure PAYE compliance, and respond to employee queries with clear solutions.

The role requires 2–3 years in payroll, solid Excel skills, and familiarity with Sage or BrightPay. Collaboration with HR and Finance is essential to maintain records and support audits.

Qualifications

• 2-3 years' experience in payroll administration or payroll specialist role.

Responsibilities

• Manage payroll processing for both weekly and monthly pay runs.
• Process payments in euro and sterling for multiple entities.
• Utilise payroll software to calculate, validate, and finalise employee pay.
• Ensure compliance with PAYE, taxation, and statutory requirements in Ireland and the UK.
• Respond to payroll queries with clear, timely solutions.
• Maintain payroll records, audit trails, and supporting documentation.
• Prepare payroll journals and allocate costs to entities, departments, and cost centres.
• Produce regular payroll reports and perform reconciliations.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance and internal teams to resolve discrepancies.
• Support payroll audits, controls, and management reporting.
• Identify opportunities to streamline procedures and improve processes.

Skills

Payroll processing

Multi-entity payroll

Sage

BrightPay

PAYE knowledge

Excel

UK & Ireland payroll

Audit & controls

Payroll to GL

Communication

Tools

Sage

BrightPay

Job description

Key Duties:

• Manage payroll processing from input through to completion for both weekly and monthly pay runs.
• Work across multiple business entities and process payments in both euro and sterling.
• Use established payroll software to calculate, validate, and finalise employee pay.
• Prepare and facilitate payroll payments through electronic banking systems.
• Ensure payroll activity complies with applicable PAYE, taxation, and statutory requirements in Ireland and the UK.
• Respond to employee and internal payroll queries, investigating issues and providing clear, timely solutions.
• Process and maintain employee benefits, deductions, and payroll adjustments, including pensions, healthcare, taxable benefits, and salary-related schemes.
• Maintain complete and accurate payroll records, supporting documentation, and audit trails.
• Prepare payroll journals and allocate costs to the appropriate legal entities, departments, and cost centres.
• Produce regular payroll reports and undertake reconciliations and analysis when required.
• Work closely with HR, Finance, and other internal teams to validate payroll information and resolve discrepancies.
• Contribute to payroll-related projects, system upgrades, and initiatives designed to improve efficiency and controls.
• Provide general payroll support and assist with additional tasks during busy periods or as business requirements change.

Experience & Skills:

• At least 2-3 years' experience in a payroll administration or payroll specialist position.
• Demonstrable experience handling payroll volumes within a busy organisation; multi-entity experience would be advantageous.
• Practical experience with recognised payroll platforms, particularly Sage and/or BrightPay.
• Good knowledge of PAYE, taxation, and statutory payroll requirements applicable to Ireland and the UK.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including the ability to analyse payroll data and perform reconciliations.
• Consistently high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong planning and organisational abilities, with the capacity to manage competing deadlines.
• Clear and professional communication skills, with confidence dealing with employees and internal stakeholders.
• Comfortable working independently, taking ownership of tasks while also contributing effectively within a wider team.
• Previous responsibility for payroll across both UK and Irish jurisdictions is ideal.
• Experience supporting payroll audits, controls, and management reporting.
• Familiarity with finance or general ledger systems and payroll-to-GL processes.
• Experience identifying opportunities to streamline payroll procedures and improve processes.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.