Payroll Specialist - FTC

People & Payroll Specialist - 12 Month FTC

• Contract
• Contract Type:
  Fixed Term Contract - 12 Months
• Location:
  
  Remote - UK
• Division:
  People Experience
• Salary Currency: GBP Sterling
• Department:
  Payroll & Admin

Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.

We're home to more than 120 brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, Belfast Live, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.

It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us Britain and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach around 70% of the UK's online population, 10% of the US online population, and over 100 million social followers around the world, connecting with them on who they are, where they live and what they love.

As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.

We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.

We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow.

The People & Payroll Coordinator ensures the delivery of accurate, timely, and compliant payroll services across the employee lifecycle for roughly 3000 employees. Working closely with HR, Finance, and external stakeholders, you will manage end-to-end payroll processing, complex calculations, data management, and query resolution while maintaining strict confidentiality.

• Payroll Processing:
  Calculate adjustments, including back pay, termination payments, and statutory leave (sickness, maternity/paternity). Validate calculations and resolve discrepancies before final sign-off.
• Data & System Administration:
  Maintain payroll records and system updates (Zellis), process statutory documentation (P45s, court orders), and manage leaver holiday data.
• Compliance & Over payments:
  Administer payroll over payment arrangements, handle expense advances, and ensure all activities align with internal controls and audit requirements.
• Stakeholder Support:
  Resolve complex payroll queries for employees and managers. Provide cross-functional operational cover for pensions and expenses administration during peak periods.

• Payroll Expertise:
  Proven experience in a payroll administration role with a strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation (PAYE, NI, and statutory entitlements).
• Analytical Ability:
  Strong numerical skills with high attention to detail for handling complex calculations and data validation.
• Communication:
  Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex payroll information clearly and professionally.
• Discretion:
  Proven ability to manage sensitive, confidential data appropriately.
• Systems (Desirable):
  Experience using Zellis or similar payroll software within an HR shared services environment.

• We take good care of our people – and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:
• 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
• An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
• Big moment day – an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you – like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!)
• Help saving for your retirement – we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
• Supportive and progressive people policies – we’re proud to have a range of…