Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist

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The Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist is responsible for managing and processing payroll operations, ensuring compliance with UK and international regulations. This position requires strong attention to detail, in-depth knowledge of payroll systems (ideally ADP) and the ability to manage payroll for large, complex employee populations.

The Senior Payroll and Benefits Specialist will also manage benefits for the business and lead payroll and benefits projects, improve processes, and act as a liaison between the payroll department and other teams such as HR, Finance and external providers.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Payroll Processing and Management:

• Hands on role - processing monthly payroll for all employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Review and validate payroll data, including, benefits, deductions, taxes, and adjustments
• Oversee UK and international payroll for all employees
• Lead annual pay review
• Manage and monitor commission/bonus plans
• Create a standardised monthly check process / pack which will be sent to finance to review pre making payment

2. Compliance and Reporting:
• Ensure compliance with all UK and international payroll tax regulations.
• Prepare and file payroll tax reports, including quarterly and annual tax returns.
• Stay updated on changing tax laws and payroll regulations.

3. System Management and Improvement:

• Manage and maintain payroll systems and software (ADP).
• Collaborate with IT and/or external vendors to implement payroll system upgrades or changes
• Identify and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and accuracy
• Work on moving new businesses to ADP as required

4. Employee Support:

• Serve as a point of contact for payroll and benefits inquiries from employees and management.
• Resolve complex payroll issues and discrepancies in a timely manner
• Provide guidance to employees on payroll policies and procedures

5.Collaboration:
• Partner with HR, Finance, and other departments to align payroll with organisational goals.
• Support audits by providing documentation and detailed payroll reports.

6.Benefits

• Design and Implementation:

Develop and implement employee benefits schemes, including pensions, health insurance, life assurance, and other perks.

• Compliance:

Ensure all benefits programmes comply with UK and international employment laws, regulations, and tax requirements (e.g. including pensions auto-enrolment and HMRC guidelines).

• Vendor Management:

Liaise with external providers and brokers to negotiate contracts and manage relationships.

• Employee Communication:

Communicate benefits information clearly to employees through presentations, handbooks, intranet platforms.

• Cost Management:

Monitor and manage the costs of benefits programmes to align with the company's budget.

• Policy Development:

Develop and maintain policies relating to employee benefits.

• Analytics and Reporting:

Analyse benefits usage and trends to inform decision-making and provide regular reporting to senior leadership.

6. Additional responsibilities

• Prepare ad-hoc reports for senior leadership and management.
• Manage year-end processes.

Experience:

• Significant experience in payroll processing and benefits management in a senior role.
• Experience with UK and International payroll and payroll systems (e.g. ideally ADP).

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong knowledge of payroll laws and regulations.
• Proficiency in payroll software and MS Excel (e.g., pivot tables, VLOOKUP).
• Excellent organisational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills:

• Strong knowledge of UK employment and benefits legislation.
• Experience working with international payrolls and benefits.
• Excellent negotiation and vendor management skills.
• Analytical mindset for monitoring and reporting on benefits data.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Proficiency in HR and payroll systems.
• Experience in a similar role.

Key Attributes

• Detail-oriented and highly organised
• Strategic thinking with the ability to align benefits programmes to business objectives.

Work Environment:

• Hybrid role - in-office working from Bolton one or two days a week.
• Fast-paced and deadline-driven environment requiring precision and confidentiality.