Payroll Officer

Sheridan Maine is supporting our Bournemouth–based client in recruiting a Payroll Officer to take full ownership of a monthly payroll cycle and play a key role within a busy HR function. This is a permanent opportunity offering real autonomy, close collaboration with Finance, and the chance to help shape and improve end–to–end payroll processes.

In this role, you will be responsible for delivering a complete, accurate, and fully reconciled monthly payroll for approximately 150 employees. Alongside payroll ownership, you will also support broader HR activities as capacity allows, acting as a key link between HR and Finance and providing day–to–day support to employees.

Hybrid (Dorset / South Coast Based, occasional office attendance in Bournemouth)

• Take responsibility for the end–to–end monthly payroll process
• Validate, process, and review all payroll inputs ensuring accuracy and completeness
• Maintain a clear audit trail for all payroll activity and adjustments
• Reconcile payroll outputs against the general ledger, HMRC submissions, and pension provider data
• Investigate variances and provide clear explanations for all discrepancies
• Month–End Reporting & Analysis
• Produce a comprehensive monthly payroll pack for Finance review
• Process salaries, overtime, bonuses, statutory payments, and adjustments
• Manage HMRC submissions and ensure PAYE/NIC compliance
• Oversee pension submissions and reconciliations in line with regulations
• Act as the main contact for payroll–related queries across the business
• Partner closely with Finance and HR to ensure data integrity and alignment
• Identify opportunities to streamline payroll processes and reduce manual work
• Support HR administration including contract letters and HR system updates (as capacity allows)
• Assist with employee relations casework and general HR queries

• 2–3 years' experience in end–to–end payroll within a medium–sized organisation (100 employees preferred)
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation including PAYE, NIC, pensions, and statutory payments
• Experience producing payroll reconciliations and reporting packs
• Exposure to HR or People team environments and awareness of HR processes
• Strong IT & Excel skills for reporting and analysis
• Organised and reliable, able to work to strict monthly deadlines
• Professional, discreet, and comfortable handling sensitive data
• Strong communicator with a pragmatic, problem–solving approach

You are required to be eligible to work in the UK full time without restriction.