About the Role
Payroll Executive
Location: Milton Keynes (Hybrid working, 2 days per week in the office, Tues/Weds)
Reporting to: Payroll Manager
We're looking for an experienced Payroll Executive to join our Finance Team. Working closely with the Payroll Manager, you'll help deliver an accurate, timely and employee-focused monthly payroll across two PAYE schemes covering around 1,000 employees, supporting the full employee lifecycle from joining through to leaving, while maintaining strong controls, compliance and continuous improvement.
This is a hands-on role for someone with experience of working in an in-house payroll environment, who enjoys getting the detail right, solving payroll queries and working collaboratively across the business. You'll be part of a supportive team that takes pride in providing a reliable service and improving how we work.
A typical week as a Payroll Executive might involve:
•Processing monthly payroll changes across the employee lifecycle, including joiners, leavers, variable pay, absence, deductions and family-related leave
•Completing manual payroll calculations, reconciliations, variance checks and payment files accurately and on time
•Managing pension administration, auto-enrolment, salary sacrifice arrangements and payrolled benefits
•Responding clearly and helpfully to employee and manager queries about pay, tax, pensions and statutory payments
•Submitting accurate payroll information to HMRC and maintaining compliant, confidential payroll records
•Working closely with People, Finance and other teams to resolve issues and ensure payroll changes are processed correctly
•Supporting year-end activity, audits and reporting, while identifying opportunities to improve payroll processes and the employee experience
•Supporting Finance activities, including posting payroll payments and journals and assisting with month-end processes and reconciliations
Requirements
•Has at least two years' experience working in a busy, in-house payroll environment
•Has strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, pensions and statutory payments
•Is confident completing manual calculations and managing pension, auto-enrolment and salary sacrifice administration
•Has strong Excel skills, including formulas, lookups and pivot tables, and can confidently analyse and reconcile payroll data
•Is organised, accurate and comfortable managing competing priorities against fixed payroll deadlines
•Communicates clearly and empathetically, takes ownership of queries and builds positive relationships across the business
•Handles confidential information with integrity and looks for practical ways to improve processes
•Experience using NetSuite, Zone Payroll or another cloud-based payroll system would be beneficial, as would some experience of posting payroll payments and journals or supporting month-end activities
•A recognised payroll qualification, or progress towards one, would also be welcomed
•A proactive, organised and methodical approach
•Excellent attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
•Clear, empathetic communication and sound judgement
•A collaborative mindset and willingness to share knowledge
•Curiosity and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement
Compensation & Benefits
Salary: £34,000—£39,000 GBP
•Cash plan for dental, optical and physio treatments
•Private Medical Insurance, Pension and Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Plan
•27 days holiday plus two (paid) volunteering days a year, and holiday buy schemes
•Contributory stakeholder pension
•Life assurance at 4x basic salary to a spouse, family member or other nominated person
•Competitive compensation package
•Paid leave for maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility
•Travel Loans, Bike to Work scheme, Rental Deposit Loan
•Charitable contributions through Payroll Giving and donation matching
•Access to deals and discounts on travel, electronics, fashion, gym memberships, cinema and more
•Hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days in the office (different arrangements apply for Field or Home-based positions)
