Global Payroll Officer; FTC)

We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Global Payroll Officer on a 6-month fixed-term contract to lead the accurate and timely delivery of UK payroll activities. Reporting to the Global Payroll Manager, you will act as the primary UK payroll processor, working closely with HR, Finance and external payroll providers to ensure payroll is processed accurately, compliantly and in line with internal deadlines.

You will take ownership of the end-to-end UK payroll cycle, including payroll validation, controls, reconciliations, reporting, pensions administration and statutory compliance. The role will also play a key part in strengthening payroll processes, improving controls, documenting procedures and identifying opportunities for automation and operational efficiencies.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional seeking a broad, hands‑on role within a dynamic international organisation.

• Own the monthly UK payroll process, ensuring payroll data is reviewed, approved and submitted accurately and on time.
• Act as the primary point of contact for UK payroll operations and provide expert guidance to HR, Finance and employees on payroll matters.
• Support Global Payroll Managers with running international payrolls, particularly in Europe and Asia.
• Review and validate payroll inputs, including starters, leavers, salary changes, bonuses, commissions, benefits, statutory payments and other variable pay elements.
• Perform detailed payroll control reviews and exception analysis to ensure payroll accuracy prior to final approval.
• Manage payroll reconciliations, investigating and resolving discrepancies in a timely manner.
• Oversee the maintenance of payroll records, ensuring compliance with internal policies and UK legislative requirements.
• Lead the preparation and maintenance of payroll procedures, control documentation and operating manuals.
• Partner with HR to ensure employee lifecycle events are accurately reflected in payroll.
• Manage relationships with external payroll providers and challenge payroll outputs where appropriate.
• Support payroll audits and provide information to internal and external auditors as required.
• Ensure compliance with PAYE, National Insurance, pensions auto‑enrolment, statutory payments and year‑end reporting requirements.
• Oversee payroll reporting and provide analysis and insights to Finance and management stakeholders.
• Lead payroll‑related month‑end activities, including reconciliations, accruals and reporting requirements.
• Support the administration of pensions, benefits and salary sacrifice arrangements.
• Identify and implement payroll process improvements, automation opportunities and control enhancements.
• Support payroll‑related projects, systems changes and process transformation initiatives.
• Drive continuous improvement in payroll governance, controls and service delivery.

• Significant UK payroll experience with responsibility for end-to-end payroll processing.
• Good level of exposure to international payrolls (particularly Europe and APAC).
• Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation, PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments and pensions auto‑enrolment.
• Experience working with payroll systems such as Cintra, ADP or SAP.
• Experience using Workday HR systems.
• Demonstrated experience managing payroll controls, reconciliations and compliance activities.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence HR, Finance and external providers.
• Excellent analytical skills and advanced Excel capability, including lookups, pivot tables and data validation techniques.
• Experience supporting payroll audits and responding to compliance queries.
• Proven ability to improve processes and identify opportunities…