Analyst - Payroll Advisor

We have an exciting opportunity to join the payroll team as an Analyst - Payroll Advisor. The team is responsible for processing payroll for approximately 7,000 UK colleagues, in addition to the payrolls for the Crown Dependencies, Gibraltar, DIFC in the UAE, and international assignees, as well as supporting the payroll reconciliations for Ireland.

This is a varied and interesting role, requiring the ability to work on your own initiative while also contributing effectively as part of the team. This is a hybrid role, with the expectation of working three days per week in the Ipswich office, together with occasional additional office days around key payroll processing dates.

The Role:

Major Accountabilities will include but not be limited to:

Payroll Processing & Administration

• Working with HR, Pensions & Benefits and the Payroll Administration team to ensure timely, accurate and auditable data input into payroll systems.
• Processing payroll transactions in accordance with company policies and statutory requirements.
• Processing complex payroll transactions including taxable benefits, share vesting events, equity compensation and manual adjustments.
• Raising and approving manual payments where required.
• Supporting payroll year-end activities
• Maintaining payroll records in accordance with GDPR and internal policies.
• Complete all post payroll activities accurately and within agreed deadlines

Payroll Reconciliations & Controls

• Performing detailed payroll reconciliations prior to payroll sign-off. Reconciling payroll outputs against source data and authorised changes.
• Reviewing and validating payroll reports to identify anomalies and investigate discrepancies.
• Completing statutory payment reconciliations including PAYE, National Insurance and pension deductions.
• Supporting payroll sign-off processes through robust validation and checking procedures.

Compliance, Governance & Audit

• Ensuring compliance with UK statutory legislation relating to employee payments and deductions in accordance with HMRC regulations and company policies.
• Adopting practices and processes that ensure ongoing compliance with internal and external audit requirements.
• Supporting audit reviews by providing payroll data, reconciliations and supporting evidence.
• Identifying payroll risks and escalating issues appropriately.
• Supporting implementation of legislative and policy changes affecting payroll operations.
• Ensuring accurate record keeping and document retention in accordance with regulatory requirements.

Query Resolution & Stakeholder Support

• Triage, investigate and resolve employee payroll queries received through payroll case management systems.
• Build effective working relationships with HR, Finance and other key stakeholders.
• Provide payroll support and guidance to employees, HR, Finance and key stakeholders.

Team Support & Continuous Improvement

• Provide support and assistance to Payroll colleagues, including senior members of the team.
• Assist with training and mentoring less experienced team members.
• Provide absence cover across the Payroll function where required.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls and efficiencies.

What you'll bring:

Essential

• Previous experience working in a busy Payroll environment, managing high-volume monthly payrolls.
• Extensive knowledge of UK payroll legislation, statutory payments and HMRC regulations.
• Strong understanding of PAYE, National Insurance, Auto Enrolment and pension administration.
• Strong understanding of taxable benefits and expenses along with requirements for payrolling benefits,
• Experience performing detailed payroll reconciliations, balancing and validation processes.
• Proven ability to identify, investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies and complex payroll issues.
• Experience reviewing payroll calculations and payroll output reports to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Strong understanding of payroll controls, governance and audit requirements.
• Knowledge of share plan taxation, share vesting events, RSUs, stock awards and associated PAYE and National Insurance treatment.
• Experience supporting payroll compliance relating to employee share plans and equity compensation arrangements.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to data accuracy.
• High level of computer literacy, specifically advanced Excel skills including VLOOKUPs, XLOOKUPs, Pivot Tables and data analysis.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively across all organisational levels.
• Excellent organizational skills with the…