Payroll Specialist
A leading organisation in London is seeking a Payroll Specialist who will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and accurate delivery of payroll services for a diverse workforce. This position offers you the opportunity to work within a supportive and knowledgeable team, where your expertise in US payroll will be highly valued and your attention to detail will make a real difference. You will enjoy flexible working opportunities and access to ongoing training, allowing you to further develop your professional skills while contributing to the success of a respected business. If you are passionate about providing excellent service, thrive in an environment that values collaboration, and are looking for a role where your contributions are recognised, this could be the perfect next step in your career. * Join a welcoming and collaborative team environment where your payroll expertise will be appreciated and supported by experienced colleagues who value knowledge sharing and teamwork. * Benefit from flexible working opportunities and continuous training designed to help you grow professionally while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. * Take on a varied role with responsibilities spanning payroll processing, compliance, reporting, and employee support, giving you the chance to make a meaningful impact across multiple areas of the business.
What You'll Do:
As a Payroll Specialist based in London, you will be at the heart of the organisation’s payroll operations. Your day-to-day activities will involve managing end-to-end payroll processes for US-based employees using industry-leading software platforms. You will collaborate closely with colleagues across departments to ensure timely data entry for new hires and terminations while maintaining meticulous records for compliance purposes. Your ability to communicate clearly will be essential as you address employee queries regarding their pay or benefits. In addition to routine processing tasks, you will contribute significantly during audit periods by preparing detailed reports and supporting both internal reviews and external regulatory checks. Your proactive approach will help identify potential issues before they arise—ensuring that every aspect of payroll runs smoothly. By embracing opportunities for professional development offered by the company’s training programmes, you’ll continue building your expertise while making a positive impact on both your team’s performance and employee satisfaction.
* Process weekly payroll functions including timesheet and expense retrieval, audit corrections, follow-up on missing timesheets and approvals, reconciliation between ADP Workforce Now and timesheet billing software, as well as conducting pay cycle preview audits.
* Enter new hires into the system, manage garnishment entries, process terminations in ADP Workforce Now, and ensure all data is accurately maintained.
* Monitor shared inboxes and respond promptly to contractor payroll queries, verifications of employment, unemployment claims, and other requests for payroll assistance with empathy and professionalism.
* Calculate and request off-cycle payments when necessary to ensure employees are paid correctly and on time.
* Assist with quarter-end and year-end ADP preview audits to maintain accuracy in financial records and compliance with regulations.
* Participate in unemployment hearings as required, providing clear documentation and support for cases involving payroll matters.
* Support the set-up of new tax jurisdictions as needed by registering with relevant state agencies such as the Department of Labor or Department of Revenue.
* Prepare or review weekly, monthly, quarterly, and year-end reports including gross payroll, tax deductions, benefit deductions, W2s, 1099s, W3s, 940s, 941s, ensuring all statutory requirements are met.
* Oversee compliance with statutory reporting and filing requirements by reviewing or preparing required returns and reports such as prevailing wage reporting.
* Monitor accurate processing of employee appointments, transfers, promotions, rate changes, and terminations while supporting all internal and external audits related to payroll.
What You Bring:
To excel as a Payroll Specialist in this role, you will bring substantial hands-on experience managing complex US payroll cycles within organisations that demand high levels of accuracy. Your background should include extensive use of advanced Excel features alongside practical knowledge of ADP Workforce Now. Experience gained within staffing or recruitment sectors would provide valuable context for handling variable assignments efficiently. Beyond technical skills, your interpersonal abilities will enable you to build trust with employees seeking guidance on pay-related matters—ensuring they feel supported throughout every interaction. Your methodical approach ensures nothing is overlooked when preparing reports or responding to audit requests; meanwhile your adaptability allows you to thrive amid shifting priorities. A genuine commitment to compliance means you stay informed about evolving regulations so that all processes remain above reproach. Most importantly: your collaborative spirit makes you an invaluable member of any team—always ready to share insights or lend assistance wherever it’s needed most.
* At least five years’ experience handling US payroll processes within a medium-to-large organisation where accuracy is paramount.
* Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with employees at all levels—both verbally and in writing—while providing empathetic support for their queries.
* Proven track record of working under tight deadlines without compromising quality or attention to detail.
* Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel including pivot tables and v-lookup functions; experience with macros would be advantageous but not essential.
* Hands-on experience using ADP Workforce Now for payroll administration; familiarity with Bullhorn or Tempest software would be beneficial but not mandatory.
* Previous exposure to staffing environments is considered an asset due to the fast-moving nature of assignments involved.
* Exceptional organisational skills enabling efficient prioritisation of tasks even during busy periods or when faced with competing demands.
* Strong analytical mindset capable of identifying root causes behind discrepancies or errors—and implementing effective solutions that prevent recurrence.
* Commitment to upholding compliance standards by staying current with local, state, and federal wage laws as well as statutory reporting requirements.
* Ability to work collaboratively within diverse teams—demonstrating flexibility when supporting colleagues during audits or special projects.
What Sets this Company Apart:
This organisation stands out for its unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace culture where every team member feels valued for their unique contributions. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements that promote work-life balance—a key factor in maintaining long-term job satisfaction. The company invests heavily in ongoing training opportunities so that staff can continually expand their skillsets while advancing their careers internally. With robust systems in place for knowledge sharing across departments—and supportive leadership focused on personal growth—you’ll find yourself surrounded by colleagues who genuinely care about each other’s success. The business also places great emphasis on ethical practices: ensuring full compliance with all relevant legislation while championing transparency at every stage of its operations. Whether you’re looking for stability or room to grow professionally within a nurturing environment—this is an employer that truly delivers on its promises.
What's next:
If you are ready to take the next step in your career as a Payroll Specialist within a supportive team environment where your expertise is truly valued—this is your chance!
Apply today by clicking on the link provided—we look forward to receiving your application!
Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates
About the job
Contract Type: Permanent
Specialism: Recruitment
Focus: Consultant
Industry: Recruitment Consultancy
Salary: £45,000 - £60,000 per annum
Workplace Type: Hybrid
Experience Level: Mid Management
Location: London
FULL_TIMEJob Reference: IP74J6-AEE80893
Date posted: 22 June 2026
Consultant: Ella Killbride
london recruitment/consultant 2026-06-22 2026-08-21 recruitment-consultancy London London GB GBP 45000 60000 60000 YEAR Robert Walters https://www.robertwalters.co.uk https://www.robertwalters.co.uk/content/dam/robert-walters/global/images/logos/web-logos/square-logo.png true