Payroll Specialist

Company: Catalyst Partners
Apply for the Payroll Specialist
Location: Manchester
Job Description:

My client is an international professional services firm that prides itself on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement. They are seeking a Payroll Specialist to join their team. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for managing end-to-end payroll processes across the UK and international entities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage the preparation and processing of UK and international payrolls (both in-house and outsourced).
  • Provide accurate payroll data to external payroll vendors within agreed deadlines.
  • Calculate complex international payments, deductions, and pro‑rata amounts.
  • Liaise with payroll vendors, responding to queries and ensuring accurate processing.
  • Review and verify payroll inputs and reports prior to sign‑off.
  • Prepare monthly payroll sign‑off analysis for senior management.
  • Maintain the payroll inbox and ensure timely responses to employee queries.
  • Prepare and submit pension contributions and third‑party payments (e.g. tax authorities, benefit providers).
  • Reconcile payroll‑related accounts and benefit balances (e.g. loans, season tickets, cycle‑to‑work schemes).
  • Produce payroll analysis and reports as required.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders and third‑party providers.
  • Ensure all payroll processes comply with company policies and statutory requirements.
  • Support the implementation of a new payroll solution, including data migration, process design, and testing.
  • Assist with ongoing payroll and process improvement projects.

Experience and Knowledge Required

  • Payroll experience within professional services or a similar environment.
  • Strong knowledge of UK PAYE and statutory payroll regulations.
  • Experience managing international payrolls is desirable.
  • Ability to perform manual gross‑to‑net calculations and understand UK tax and benefit implications.
  • Strong understanding of UK parental leave and statutory payment rules.
  • Advanced Excel skills for complex payroll analysis and reconciliation.
  • Experience managing both in‑house and outsourced payrolls.
  • Excellent understanding of UK benefits and pensions administration via payroll.
  • Confident in identifying and implementing process improvements.

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Human Resources

Industries

Professional Services

Location: Manchester Area, United Kingdom

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Posted: April 11th, 2026