Payroll Specialist – Permanent – North Dublin

Oliver James Group; Dublin; On-site; EUR 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Oliver James Group is recruiting a Payroll Specialist to oversee end-to-end payroll across Ireland and the UK for about 1,100 employees. You will manage weekly and monthly cycles, ensuring accuracy, compliance and timely payments using Sage Payroll and BrightPay.

Joining our team, you will collaborate with HR and Finance, handle benefits and deductions, respond to employee queries, and contribute to payroll improvements while maintaining rigorous audit-ready records.

Qualifications

• 2-3+ years in payroll administrator or specialist role.
• Experience processing high-volume payroll across multiple entities.
• Practical knowledge of Sage Payroll and BrightPay.
• Understanding of PAYE and payroll regulations in Ireland and the UK.
• Strong Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
• Accurate with attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Process weekly and monthly payrolls for multiple entities in Ireland and the UK.
• Administer payroll using Sage Payroll and BrightPay.
• Prepare payroll payments via online banking.
• Ensure PAYE compliance and regulatory compliance.
• Respond to payroll queries from employees and stakeholders.
• Manage payroll benefits, deductions and adjustments (BIK, pension, healthcare, salary sacrifice).
• Maintain payroll records and supporting files for audit.
• Post payroll journals to cost centres.
• Produce and analyze payroll reports for management.
• Collaborate with HR and Finance to ensure data accuracy.
• Assist with payroll-related projects and process improvements.
• Carry out general payroll admin and ad hoc duties.

Skills

Payroll administration

High-volume payroll

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication

Tools

Sage Payroll

BrightPay

Job description

Overview

The Payroll Specialist will support the end-to-end processing of payroll across Ireland and the UK. The role will oversee both weekly and monthly payroll cycles for approximately 1,100 employees, ensuring payroll is processed accurately, compliantly, and within required deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

• Process weekly and monthly payrolls across multiple entities, covering both Euro and Sterling payments.
• Administer payroll using Sage Payroll and BrightPay.
• Prepare and process payroll payments through online banking platforms.
• Ensure payroll activities comply with PAYE requirements and relevant legislation across Ireland and the UK.
• Respond to payroll-related queries and provide accurate and timely support to employees and internal stakeholders.
• Manage payroll benefits, deductions, and adjustments, including: Benefit-in-Kind (BIK); Pension contributions; Healthcare benefits; Salary sacrifice arrangements.
• Maintain accurate payroll records, documentation, and supporting files in accordance with audit and compliance requirements.
• Prepare and post payroll journals to the relevant entities and cost centres.
• Produce, review, and analyse payroll reports for management and other stakeholders.
• Work closely with HR and Finance teams to ensure payroll data is complete, accurate, and properly aligned.
• Assist with payroll-related projects, system enhancements, and continuous process improvements.
• Carry out general payroll administration and other ad hoc duties as required.

Required Skills & Experience

• 2-3+ years of experience in a Payroll Administrator, Payroll Specialist, or similar role.
• Demonstrable experience processing high-volume payroll, ideally across multiple entities.
• Strong practical knowledge and experience of: Sage Payroll, BrightPay
• Good understanding of PAYE, payroll compliance, and tax regulations across both Ireland and the UK.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis, reconciliations, and payroll-related reporting.
• High level of accuracy and excellent attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities, with the capacity to manage competing priorities and meet payroll deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with employees and internal stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and capable of working independently while also contributing effectively as part of a wider team.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• Previous experience managing payroll across both UK and Irish jurisdictions.
• Knowledge of payroll audit processes and reporting requirements.
• Experience working with finance systems and/or payroll-to-GL integration.
• A proactive approach to identifying opportunities for process improvement and efficiency.