TYNE & WEAR (Ref 764) Permanent
£35k – £40k Hybrid 3 office days + benefits + bonus
We are delighted to work with our client to recruit a Payroll Specialist with proven experience in payroll processing within a medium or large UK organisation, ideally bringing strong technical knowledge and a thorough understanding of current UK payroll legislation and compliance requirements.
You will be responsible for delivering an accurate, timely, and compliant end-to-end payroll service. This role plays a key part in managing statutory compliance, pension administration, benefits, and ensuring strong internal controls in line with SRA, HMRC, and GDPR requirements.
Your work will be driven by the structured monthly payroll cycle and the day-to-day support you provide to colleagues with queries, including:
*Acting as a reliable point of contact for payroll queries, providing clear and supportive guidance to colleagues at all levels.
*Working closely with Finance, HR and external providers to ensure accurate and timely information sharing.
*Proactively identifying opportunities to improve processes and enhance the employee experience in relation to pay and benefits.
*Keeping up to date with payroll legislation and best practice to maintain compliance and build organisational confidence.
*Accurate, timely and compliant payroll processing, ensuring colleagues are paid correctly and confidently every month.
*Clear, practical guidance on payroll, pensions, tax and benefits matters, delivered in a supportive and approachable manner.
Payroll Processing
*Prepare and process the monthly payroll for all employees
*Ensure accurate calculation of salaries, overtime, bonuses, statutory payments, deductions, salary sacrifice, and benefits in kind.
*Carry out monthly RTI submissions (FPS and EPS) in line with HMRC deadlines.
*Reconcile payroll outputs including PAYE, NIC, student loans, attachment of earnings, and apprenticeship levy.
*Undertake month end payroll reconciliations and prepare payroll journals for the Finance team.
Pensions & Benefits Administration
*Manage auto enrolment processes, optins/optouts, and ensure accurate and timely submission of pension contribution files.
*Liaise with pension providers and resolve queries.
*Administer employee benefits, including private medical insurance, life assurance, and any salary sacrifice schemes.
*Support the preparation of P11Ds and annual benefits reporting.
*Manage payrolling benefits
Employee Lifecycle & Data Management
*Process all payroll-related changes including new starters, leavers, salary adjustments, promotions, and benefit changes.
*Ensure employee payroll records are accurate.
*Produce and issue payslips, P45s, P60s, and other statutory documents.
*Maintain payroll documentation in line with GDPR, internal retention policies, and audit requirements.
Reporting & Compliance
*Produce payroll reports for Finance, People & Culture and Executive Board
*Maintain compliance with:
*HMRC legislation
*UK employment law
*Auto enrolment regulations
*Support internal and external auditors by providing accurate data and audit trails.
Time Recording, Holiday Pay & Bonus Administration
*Process overtime.
*Support calculation of holiday pay under the Working Time Regulations.
*Collaborate with Finance to process and validate bonus schemes
Employee Support & Query Resolution
*Act as the first point of contact for payroll queries, providing clear explanations regarding tax, NI, pensions, benefits, and net pay.
*Liaise with HMRC and third-party providers where necessary.
*Provide a high level of customer service to staff at all levels.
Systems & Continuous Improvement
*Maintain and update payroll systems, ensuring data integrity and strong internal controls.
*Assist with payroll system upgrades, migrations, or new system implementations.
*Identify opportunities for process improvements, automation, and increased efficiency.
*Support the development and documentation of payroll procedures.
To be able to perform this job you will need.
*Proven experience in payroll processing within a medium or large UK organisation, with a strong technical understanding of PAYE, NIC, statutory payments and payroll legislation.
*Experience in professional services environment, and familiarity with HR/payroll systems such as Sage or IRIS, is desirable. A CIPP qualification, or willingness to work towards one, would be advantageous.
*Professional and approachable, with the ability to communicate complex payroll information clearly and confidently.
*Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively in a fast-paced environment and work proactively under your own initiative.
*Proactive, solution-focused, and collaborative, with a strong team ethic balanced with the ability to work independently.
*A desire for continuous personal and professional development to grow technical expertise and support the wider payroll function.