Payroll Specialist

Our client is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join their team on a full-time basis, working Monday to Friday in the office, 5 days per week. This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established business, offering a collaborative working environment, competitive remuneration, and the chance to play a key role in ensuring the smooth and accurate delivery of payroll and expenses administration.

Job Purpose
To manage and coordinate all payroll and employee expenses activities, ensuring accurate and timely processing in compliance with company policies and statutory requirements. The Payroll Specialist will provide support to employees, managers, and key stakeholders in relation to payroll, expenses, and associated administrative processes.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Managing and processing payroll activities for employees, ensuring accuracy and adherence to payroll deadlines.
• Administering employee expense claims, reviewing submissions for policy compliance and processing payments as required.
• Maintaining accurate payroll records, employee data, and payroll-related documentation.
• Processing payroll amendments including new starters, leavers, salary changes, benefits, deductions, and statutory payments.
• Ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations, employment legislation, and company payroll procedures.
• Preparing payroll reports and supporting documentation for internal stakeholders and external providers where required.
• Responding to payroll and expenses-related queries from employees and management in a professional and timely manner.
• Liaising with Finance, HR, and external payroll providers to ensure accurate processing and reconciliation of payroll data.
• Assisting with payroll audits and providing supporting documentation when requested.
• Supporting month-end activities including payroll reconciliations and reporting requirements.
• Monitoring payroll and expenses processes and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and efficiency gains.
• Assisting with the implementation and maintenance of payroll systems and procedures.
• Undertaking any other duties commensurate with skills, qualifications, and experience as required.

Key Responsibilities
Internally

• Working closely with Human Resources, Finance, and departmental managers to ensure payroll information is accurate and up to date.
• Supporting employees with payroll, expenses, benefits, and statutory payment queries.
• Producing payroll-related reports and management information as required.

Externally

• Liaising with payroll providers, pension providers, HMRC, and other external stakeholders when required.
• Supporting external audits and compliance reviews relating to payroll and expenses processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Previous successful experience within a Payroll Specialist, Payroll Administrator, or similar payroll-focused role is essential.
• Experience processing end-to-end payroll within a medium to large organisation.
• Experience managing employee expenses and associated financial administration.
• Familiarity with UK payroll legislation including PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, statutory payments, and payroll compliance requirements.
• Relevant payroll qualification (e.g., CIPP) would be advantageous.
• Strong working knowledge of payroll systems and HRIS platforms.
• Excellent proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail with the ability to manage confidential information appropriately.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build effective working relationships at all levels.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to prioritise workload and meet strict deadlines.
• A proactive and professional approach with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work independently whilst contributing effectively as part of a wider team.
• Demonstrates flexibility, commitment, and a positive attitude towards continuous improvement.

Special Features

• This role is fully office-based and requires attendance on-site 5 days per week (Monday to Friday).
• The successful candidate will be responsible for managing payroll deadlines and supporting critical business reporting periods.
• Additional hours may occasionally be required during payroll processing cycles or year-end activities.
• The role involves handling confidential employee and financial information and requires a high level of discretion and professionalism.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.