Senior Global Payroll Specialist

Reporting to the Global Payroll Manager, the Senior Global Payroll Specialist will act as the Global Payroll Manager's deputy, supporting the delivery of accurate, compliant and timely payrolls across the UK, US and other international jurisdictions. The role sits within the HR Services & Policy team and works closely with Reward, Finance, Tax, external payroll providers and other key stakeholders. The role requires strong hands‑on payroll processing experience, with particular emphasis on US multi‑state payroll knowledge, alongside experience supporting international payroll operations.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Global Payroll Manager to ensure payroll processes, controls and documentation remain accurate, compliant and fit for purpose. They will play a key role in payroll projects, process improvements, global mobility activities and resolving complex payroll matters across multiple jurisdictions, acting as a trusted escalation point for complex payroll queries, provider issues and payroll control matters.

This role can be based in any of our UK offices (London, Guildford or Cheltenham).

• Support the Global Payroll Manager in the delivery of end‑to‑end payroll processing across multiple countries.
• Ensure all payrolls are processed accurately, on time and in accordance with local legislative requirements.
• Act as deputy for the Global Payroll Manager during periods of absence.
• Review payroll outputs, reconciliations and exception reports to identify and resolve issues.
• Support monthly, quarterly and year‑end payroll activities.
• Manage and challenge payroll provider outputs, ensuring service levels, accuracy and deadlines are met. Act as an escalation point for complex payroll queries, ensuring issues are resolved accurately, sensitively and within agreed timescales.
• Ensure payroll input, approval and reconciliation controls are followed and appropriately evidenced.

• Provide subject matter expertise on US payroll processing and compliance requirements.
• Support payroll activities across federal, state and local tax jurisdictions, with demonstrable experience of US multi‑state payroll processing.
• Assist with multi‑state payroll complexities, including tax withholding, unemployment insurance and employee work location considerations.
• Support onboarding requirements including payroll tax setup, state registrations and payroll compliance obligations.
• Maintain awareness of changes to US payroll legislation and ensure processes remain compliant.

• Ensure payroll processes comply with statutory, tax and employment legislation across all jurisdictions.
• Maintain and update payroll policies, procedures, and control documentation.
• Support audit requests and ensure payroll records and audit trails are maintained appropriately.
• Support payroll data integrity, ensuring changes to pay, benefits, deductions and working arrangements are accurately reflected in payroll systems.
• Review payroll controls and recommend improvements to reduce risk and improve efficiency.
• Comply with all relevant legal and regulatory obligations including the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) Standards and Regulations, and Principles.

• Support international assignments, relocations and cross‑border working arrangements.
• Assist with payroll implications arising from employee mobility, including tax equalisation, shadow payrolls, split payrolls and social security considerations.
• Work closely with HR, Finance, Tax and external mobility providers to ensure payroll impacts are correctly managed.
• Identify payroll risks associated with international employee movements and recommend appropriate solutions.
• Drive payroll process improvements and standardisation initiatives.
• Support implementation of new payroll systems, country rollouts and process enhancements.
• Develop reporting and metrics to improve payroll accuracy and operational performance.
• Assist with training and knowledge sharing within the payroll team.

• Significant payroll experience within a multinational environment.
• Hands‑on knowledge of US multi‑state payroll…