Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist Based in Reading Salary is up to £60,000 plus company specific benefits and hybrid working

Robert Walters are supporting a leading global software provider in the recruitment of an experienced Payroll Specialist to join their growing finance and people operations team.

This is an excellent opportunity to become the in-house subject matter expert for payroll and benefits across a multi-country operation, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant payroll delivery across several international regions. You will play a key role in supporting employee experience, driving process improvements, and maintaining high standards of payroll governance within a modern, collaborative organisation.

The role:
As Payroll Specialist, you will take ownership of end-to-end payroll processes across multiple jurisdictions, working closely with HR, Finance, and external payroll providers. You will ensure accurate payroll execution, strong compliance with local legislation, and continuous improvement of payroll and benefits processes.

Key responsibilities include:

• End-to-end payroll administration across multiple countries including the UK, USA, New Zealand, Netherlands, and Germany
• Ensuring full compliance with local payroll legislation, tax regulations, and internal policies
• Extracting and validating payroll data from HR systems (e.g., HiBob) to ensure accuracy of employee changes
• Partnering with HR teams on all employee lifecycle activity including new hires, leavers, salary changes, bonuses, commissions, and leave adjustments
• Managing salary sacrifice and employee benefits administration in collaboration with HR stakeholders
• Preparing and submitting payroll input files to external providers for both bi-weekly and monthly payroll cycles
• Acting as the key point of contact for outsourced payroll providers, resolving queries and ensuring deadlines are met
• Reviewing and validating payroll outputs and payslips prior to approval
• Investigating and resolving payroll discrepancies and employee queries in a timely and professional manner
• Managing pension administration including contributions, reconciliations, enrolments, opt-outs, and provider liaison
• Producing payroll reconciliations, reporting packs, and supporting month-end, year-end, and audit requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

• At least 5 years’ experience in end-to-end payroll (in-house or outsourced environment)
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation including PAYE, NI, RTI, statutory payments, and auto-enrolment
• Experience managing multi-country payrolls within a complex or regulated environment
• Strong benefits and pension administration experience
• Proficiency with payroll/HR systems (e.g., HiBob) and advanced Excel skills
• CIPP qualification or equivalent experience (desirable)
• Strong attention to detail with a high level of accuracy and ownership
• Excellent organisational and time management skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with employees, HR, and external providers
• A continuous improvement mindset with experience enhancing payroll processes and controls

On Offer:

• Salary: £55,000 – £60,000 plus company specific benefits
• Hybrid working
• Opportunity to manage international payroll operations
• Collaborative and inclusive working environment
• Strong focus on learning, development, and career progression
• Competitive benefits package and wellbeing support
• Exposure to a global, fast-growing technology business

If you have relevant experience and are interested in this opportunity, apply NOW or please send your CV to kay.edle@robertwalters.com

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates