Payroll Specialist – Perm

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

Job summary

Oliver James seeks a payroll administrator to manage weekly and monthly payroll runs across multiple entities in Ireland and the UK. You will ensure PAYE/tax compliance and handle payroll queries, deductions, and year-end processes.

The role requires hands-on experience with Sage or BrightPay, strong Excel skills, and a proactive mindset to improve payroll processes across jurisdictions. You’ll collaborate with HR and Finance to validate data and generate essential payroll reports, contributing

Qualifications

• At least 2–3 years’ experience in a payroll administration or payroll specialist position.
• Experience handling payroll volumes within a busy organisation; multi-entity experience is advantageous.
• Practical experience with recognised payroll platforms, particularly Sage and BrightPay.
• Good knowledge of PAYE, taxation, and statutory payroll requirements for Ireland and the UK.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills with ability to analyse payroll data and perform reconciliations.
• High accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to manage deadlines.

Responsibilities

• 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 payroll payments through electronic banking systems.
• Ensure payroll activity complies with PAYE, taxation, and statutory requirements in Ireland and the UK.
• Respond to employee and internal payroll queries, investigating issues and providing clear solutions.
• Process benefits, deductions, and payroll adjustments including pensions and taxable benefits.
• Maintain payroll records, supporting documentation, and audit trails.
• Prepare payroll journals and allocate costs to entities, departments, and cost centres.
• Produce regular payroll reports and perform reconciliations and analysis as required.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance to validate payroll data and resolve discrepancies.
• Contribute to payroll-related projects, system upgrades, and process improvements.
• Provide general payroll support and assist with additional tasks during busy periods.

Skills

Payroll administration

Multi-entity experience

Excel proficiency

Attention to detail

Planning & organization

Communication

Independent working

Tools

Sage

BrightPay

Job description

• 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.

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.