Senior Payroll Administrator

Recognising the importance of effective payroll management, this is a newly created role sitting within the Group Payroll team, which will perform a key role in transforming the Group payroll in line with the wider business strategy and vision. The role willhave very strong links to HR, Reward and the wider business units.This role will be based in Milton Keynes.
**_The day to day_**
This is an exciting opportunity to make an impact and shape the payroll function, which will be delivered by an onshore payroll team covering 10 statutory entity payrolls for over 8,000 employees, with both fixed and variable remuneration elements.
Reporting into the Group Payroll Manager this role is responsible for the processing of payroll across the company pay groups. Key objective will be to ensure accuracy, and drive efficiencies within the payroll function.
**Examples of _what_ you will be doing**:

- Processing starters, leavers and changes to terms & conditions. Carrying out pro-rata calculations and making adjustments.
- Inputting and importing variable pay data, carrying out the necessary checks.
- Processing company sick pay, SSP / SMP / SPP and ShPP.
- Producing reports and providing data analysis for monthly payroll sign off and on an ad-hoc basis.
- Complete end of period activities and reporting for Finance, including issuing of on line payslips and P45s, reconciliation of benefits and calculating overpayments.
- Preparing BACS payment file.
- Preparing and processing third party payments and responding to third party requests.
- Resolving payroll queries from employees and the Finance department.
- Carrying out payroll year end activities which include issuing P60s and P11Ds and ensuring that statutory changes have been implemented.
- Working to continuously improve processes and procedures and maintain documentation.
- Ensuring that payroll documentation is handled and filed in line with GDPR requirements.

**Examples of how you will know you are doing a great job**:

- Improving the payroll processes and activities and ensuring they are successfully implemented.
- Internal communication around the payroll cycle is supported by accurate and timely reporting.
- Excellent feedback from the Payroll Team Leaders, and Group Payroll manager.
- All external regulatory compliance is completed within the agreed timeframes.
- Positive feedback from HR/Reward and finance managers in terms of support, also evidenced by proactive communications and consultations with them.

**Experience you have that will set you up for success**:

- Experience of processing in-house payroll from start to finish for a similar size company
- Experience of maintaining a controlled, confidential environment
- Excellent payroll knowledge to be able to resolve all payroll queries
- Efficient and organised working methods
- A high degree of attention to detail and demonstrable problem solving skills
- Good prioritisation, time management skills and ability to meet strict deadlines
- Ability to take initiative and work under pressure
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Team player with willing and enthusiastic approach, supporting other members of the team
- MS Office skills with advanced Excel knowledge (pivot tables, Vlookup, IF statements)
- Ability to analyse data and draw accurate conclusions.
- Experience of a cloud based payroll system/ Resourcelink desirable.