Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist | £40,000 - £50,000 | Cheshire | Permanent We're working with a well-established and growing organisation that is looking to appoint a Payroll Specialist to lead the day-to-day payroll operation while driving improvements across systems, processes and performance. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys looking beyond simply "running payroll". You'll be encouraged to challenge existing processes, identify efficiencies, improve controls and help shape a high-performing payroll function that supports the wider business.

Reporting into the senior finance team, you'll take full responsibility for delivering an accurate and compliant payroll service, while acting as the subject matter expert for payroll across the organisation. Alongside ensuring payroll deadlines are consistently met, you'll be responsible for reviewing current ways of working, improving processes and helping the payroll function evolve as the business continues to grow.

Lead the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accuracy and compliance Drive continuous improvement across payroll processes, controls and efficiencies Review existing ways of working and implement improvements where appropriate Ensure payroll complies with current legislation, HMRC requirements and pension regulations Manage statutory payments including SSP, SMP, SPP and other payroll deductions Process RTI submissions, P45s, tax code changes and year-end payroll activities Produce payroll journals, reconciliations and reporting for the finance team Work closely with HR to ensure employee data is accurate and up to date Act as the main point of contact for payroll-related queries across the business Build strong relationships with external providers including HMRC and pension providers Support finance projects and contribute towards wider process improvement initiatives You'll ideally bring:
Significant end-to-end payroll experience Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and compliance Experience identifying and implementing process improvements A proactive mindset with the confidence to challenge existing processes Excellent Excel and systems skills Strong attention to detail alongside excellent organisational skills The ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders across Finance and HR A payroll qualification would be advantageous but isn't essential For this Payroll Specialist role, you will get: £40,000 - £50,000 depending on experience 25 days holiday plus bank holidays Company pension Professional development opportunities The opportunity to take ownership of an important function within a growing organisation where your ideas and improvements will genuinely be valued.