Payroll Analyst

Hays Accountancy and Finance is a leading recruitment agency specializing in accounting, finance, and payroll roles across various industries. Renowned for its professionalism and commitment to excellence, the company provides tailored staffing solutions to meet the unique needs of its clients. With a strong reputation for integrity and a deep understanding of the financial sector, Hays Accountancy and Finance prides itself on connecting talented professionals with reputable organizations.

The company fosters an inclusive and diverse working environment, promoting career development and continuous learning for its employees. As a trusted partner in recruitment, Hays Accountancy and Finance is dedicated to supporting both clients and candidates in achieving their strategic goals.

Hays Accountancy and Finance is a leading recruitment agency specializing in accounting, finance, and payroll roles across various industries. Renowned for its professionalism and commitment to excellence, the company provides tailored staffing solutions to meet the unique needs of its clients. With a strong reputation for integrity and a deep understanding of the financial sector, Hays Accountancy and Finance prides itself on connecting talented professionals with reputable organisations.

The company fosters an inclusive and diverse working environment, promoting career development and continuous learning for its employees. As a trusted partner in recruitment, Hays Accountancy and Finance is dedicated to supporting both clients and candidates in achieving their strategic goals.

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Analyst to join our dynamic Payroll & Pensions team within a prestigious educational institution. This hybrid role offers a unique opportunity for a payroll professional with strong data analysis and reporting skills to contribute significantly to payroll operations, system enhancements, compliance, and business reporting. The ideal candidate will be responsible for producing detailed payroll reports, analyzing workforce data, and ensuring the accuracy and integrity of payroll information.

You will support system testing, process improvements, and compliance activities while working closely with cross-functional teams such as HR, Finance, and IT. This position provides excellent prospects for career progression, professional training, and development within a supportive environment.

The successful candidate will have proven experience in payroll reporting and data analysis within a payroll environment. A solid understanding of payroll processes, statutory requirements, and internal controls is essential. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, lookups, filters, and data validation, is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to identify and resolve data discrepancies through investigation and analysis, maintaining high attention to detail, especially when working with high-volume and confidential data.

Excellent organizational skills, the ability to prioritize tasks effectively, and strong communication skills are vital. The candidate should be capable of working independently while collaborating effectively within a team. Prior experience supporting payroll system testing, process improvements, and compliance activities will be advantageous.

The Payroll Analyst will be responsible for producing and maintaining payroll reports, dashboards, and management information using various reporting tools and templates. Analyzing payroll, pension, and workforce data to generate accurate insights is a core part of the role. The analyst will perform regular data validation, reconciliations, and control checks to ensure payroll accuracy and data integrity. Investigating discrepancies and anomalies, escalating complex issues as needed, and responding promptly to payroll reporting requests are essential duties.

Supporting testing activities related to payroll and HR systems, including upgrades and system implementations, is also required. The role involves maintaining detailed process documentation, working instructions, process maps, and testing evidence. The analyst will contribute to process reviews, identify opportunities for automation, and support continuous improvement initiatives. Developing expertise in payroll systems and reporting tools is crucial to ensure compliance with payroll legislation, internal controls, and data…