Payroll Analyst

CMA Recruitment Group is working with an established, commercial business to recruit an experienced Payroll Analyst on a 9–12 month fixed-term contract.

Based in Portsmouth with hybrid working, this is a great opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys taking ownership of their work and wants to broaden their experience within an international payroll environment.

You’ll join a supportive team and take responsibility for key elements of a monthly UK payroll of approximately 700 employees, while also gaining exposure to a smaller, overseas payroll. UK payroll experience is the priority, so previous international payroll experience would be an advantage rather than essential.

What will the Payroll Analyst role involve?

• Supporting the accurate and timely processing of a monthly UK payroll for approximately 700 employees, alongside a smaller Spanish payroll
• Applying your knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, SSP, SMP and workplace pensions
• Completing payroll reconciliations, checks and variance analysis to maintain a high level of accuracy
• Identifying and investigating payroll discrepancies, taking ownership of issues through to resolution
• Working closely with outsourced payroll providers and internal HR and Finance teams
• Using Excel to analyse payroll data, including PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP and SUMIFS
• Maintaining effective payroll controls and ensuring processes are followed accurately
• Supporting wider payroll activity as the business continues to develop internationally

Suitable Candidate for the Payroll Analyst vacancy:

• Payroll experience, with strong practical knowledge of UK payroll
• Good understanding of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements
• Previous experience of payroll reconciliations, controls and variance analysis
• Strong Excel skills, ideally including PivotTables, XLOOKUP/VLOOKUP and SUMIFS
• Confident investigating payroll discrepancies and resolving issues
• Excellent attention to detail with a high level of accuracy
• Comfortable taking ownership of workload and working independently
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with HR, Finance and external payroll providers
• Spanish or wider international payroll experience would be advantageous but is not essential.
• CIPP qualified or studying towards CIPP would also be beneficial

Additional benefits and information for the role of Payroll Analyst:

• Salary of £35,000–£40,000 per annum, dependent on experience
• 9–12 month fixed-term contract
• Hybrid working
• 37.5-hour working week
• Opportunity to gain or broaden international payroll experience
• Supportive and collaborative team environment
• Potential support towards further CIPP study
• Opportunity to become involved in additional international payroll activity as the business continues to grow