Payroll Specialist

About The Role
We are seeking a detail-oriented Payroll Specialist to join our team in London. This role will support payroll operations across multiple countries, working closely with our managed service provider to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing. The successful candidate will act as the key liaison between internal stakeholders and our external payroll partners, ensuring compliance and excellent service delivery across multiple jurisdictions. This role will report jointly into MARI's HR and Finance teams.

Key Responsibilities
Payroll Processing & Coordination

• Coordinate with the payroll provider to ensure accurate and timely payroll processing for MARI entities in multiple countries
• Collect, validate, and submit payroll data including new starters, leavers, salary changes, bonuses, and other variable pay elements
• Support with the calculation and processing of leave of absence pay including statutory maternity, paternity, adoption and sick pay where appropriate
• Review payroll outputs and reports for accuracy before final approval
• Ensure correct deductions flow through to payroll processing, from benefits and other taxable entitlements
• Ensure all payroll deadlines are met across multiple jurisdictions with varying pay cycles
• Maintain payroll calendars and communicate key dates to relevant stakeholders

Data Management & Compliance

• Maintain accurate employee payroll records in HRIS and payroll systems
• Ensure data integrity between HR systems and payroll platforms
• Support compliance with local tax, social security, and employment regulations across multiple countries
• Assist with year-end processes including P60s, P11Ds, and equivalent statutory reporting in other jurisdictions
• Support employee benefits-related tasks as needed, including maintaining data for benefits systems, auditing deductions via payroll and enrollment reports, employee communications, monitoring renewals and annual enrollment efforts
• Ad hoc reporting and analysis
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive payroll information

Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary point of contact between employees, HR, finance, and the managed service provider
• Respond to employee payroll queries in a timely and professional manner
• Liaise with the managed service provider to resolve payroll discrepancies and issues
• Collaborate with HR on payroll-related matters including benefits administration and policy implementation
• Liaise in a timely manner with benefits providers to ensure smooth processing of payments, deductions and other relevant updates
• Work with Finance to ensure accurate reporting and reconciliations

Process Improvement & Reporting

• Support the development and documentation of payroll processes and procedures
• Ensure adherence to governance oversight and escalation points
• Identify opportunities for process improvements and efficiency gains
• Generate payroll reports for management, finance, and audit purposes
• Assist with internal and external audits related to payroll
• Stay informed of legislative changes affecting payroll in relevant countries

Essential Requirements
Experience & Knowledge

• Previous payroll administration experience, ideally supporting multi-country operations
• Understanding of UK payroll legislation and tax regulations (knowledge of other European countries desirable)
• Experience working with managed service providers or external payroll vendors
• Familiarity with payroll systems and HRIS platforms
• Understanding of payroll accounting and month-end processes

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with ability to manage multiple deadlines
• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel (vlookups, pivot tables, formulas)
• Excellent communication skills with ability to explain payroll matters clearly to non-payroll audiences
• Problem-solving mindset with ability to work independently
• Discretion and ability to handle confidential information appropriately

Desirable Requirements

• Experience with multi-country payroll across European and APAC jurisdictions
• Experience with payroll, HRIS and benefits systems
• Working knowledge of employment legislation across multiple regions