Payroll Specialist

• Annual Salary: Up to £28,000 Per Annum
• Location: Colchester
• Job Type: Full-time

We are seeking a Payroll Specialist to manage and oversee the payroll operations for two companies with a combined headcount of 320 employees. This role involves responsibility for all aspects of payroll, including hour management, payroll processes and procedures, and system maintenance. The ideal candidate will drive process improvements and provide essential payroll-related advice and support.

• Oversee fortnightly and monthly payrolls across the Group, ensuring all processes are executed efficiently, effectively, and accurately within strict deadlines.
• Manage the maintenance and monitoring of time and attendance systems.
• Ensure accurate processing of starters and leavers, maintaining appropriate controls.
• Handle nominal links and department coding from Sage 50 Payroll to Sage 200.
• Oversee and reconcile CIS payments and manage monthly payroll accruals.
• Conduct monthly reconciliations including HMRC, P&L, and pension, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Oversee the maintenance of pension records and process payments and deductions in line with internal authorisation procedures.
• Manage accurate and complete year-end processes and submissions, including P11d’s.
• Maintain and improve payroll policies and processes, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
• Act as the point of contact for escalated payroll queries and maintain strict confidentiality over employee data.

• Proven experience in a payroll control environment with a strong understanding of technical payroll issues.
• Knowledge of operating payroll systems, with experience in Sage Payroll being advantageous.
• Excellent IT skills, particularly in Excel and other Microsoft applications.
• Accounting knowledge/experience, particularly in relation to financial reconciliation and dealing with auditors.
• Strong organisational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively across departments.
• Ability to prioritise a varied workload in a busy environment.

• Standard pension scheme
• Initial holiday entitlement of 20 days, increasing by 1 day every two years, capped at 25 days
• Free parking
• Early finish on Fridays

To apply for the Payroll Specialist position, please submit your CV to .