Lead Payroll Analyst

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Date: 13 Oct 2026

Location: Gatwick, GB

Salary: £41,092 up to £51,000 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Security Level: SC

Location: Aviation House – Gatwick – min 2 days in the office per week.

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship

Closing Date: 26th October 2026

Interview Date: 6th November 2026

We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

The Senior Payroll Analyst oversees the operational delivery of payroll services, ensuring payroll, pension and statutory payment processes are completed accurately, on time and in compliance with relevant legislation and organisational policies. The role supervises and develops the Payroll Analyst, manages the resolution of complex queries and escalations, and supports the Payroll & Accounting Services Manager in maintaining effective controls, managing risks, implementing process improvements, and delivering an efficient, customer-focused payroll service to the organisation.

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring payroll is delivered accurately, on time and in compliance with statutory and organisational requirements.
• Supervise and support the Payroll Analyst, providing guidance, training and day-to-day direction.
• Act as the first point of escalation for complex payroll queries and issues, ensuring timely resolution.
• Review payroll outputs, reconciliations and controls to ensure accuracy and integrity of payroll data. Escalate queries and issues as appropriate, applying professional judgement to challenge outcomes and recommend effective solutions .
• Administer and manage payroll-related activities including pensions, statutory payments, deductions and employee benefits.
• Work closely with People & Culture to ensure employee data and contractual changes are accurately reflected in payroll.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC requirements, pension regulations, employment legislation and internal policies.
• Prepare month-end, year-end and audit activities by preparing payroll reconciliations, reports and supporting documentation.
• Provides support, guidance and mentoring to junior members of the payroll team, helping to develop their knowledge and capability.
• Maintain and develop payroll procedures, controls and documentation to support effective governance and audit readiness.
• Support the Payroll & Accounting Services Manager in identifying and implementing payroll process improvements and system enhancements.
• Provide operational oversight and continuity for the payroll function during periods of Payroll & Accounting Services Manager or Payroll Analyst absence.
• Produce payroll reports and management information to support business decision-making and statutory requirements for senior managers.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of employee information in accordance with GDPR and data protection requirements.
• Undertake other payroll-related duties as required to support the effective operation of the payroll function.

• CIPP qualified or qualified by experience with substantial experience in payroll administration within a complex organisation.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments and pension administration.
• Experience of supervising, mentoring or supporting colleagues within a payroll function.
• Strong payroll accounting and reconciliation skills, with the ability to prepare payroll journals, reconcile payroll to the General Ledger…