Job Description
The Payroll Project Officer will support the delivery of a Workday payroll implementation, working closely with Payroll, HR, IT, and external implementation partners. The role will focus on payroll readiness, data accuracy, process alignment, testing, and transition into business-as-usual operations.
This is a hands-on role suited to someone with strong payroll knowledge who enjoys project work and is comfortable operating in a change environment. Please be advised, this is a fixed term role until the end of May 2026.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Implementation Support
* Support payroll activities as part of the Workday implementation project
* Act as a payroll subject matter expert (SME) within the project team
* Support system configuration by providing payroll requirements and validation
* Liaise with external vendors and internal stakeholders to resolve payroll-related queries
Data & Testing
* Support payroll data preparation, validation, and migration activities
* Participate in system testing, including unit testing, integration testing, and parallel runs
* Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies during testing phases
* Support user acceptance testing (UAT) and sign-off activities
Process & Documentation
* Review current payroll processes and support alignment to Workday payroll functionality
* Help document future-state payroll processes and controls
* Support the development of payroll procedures, guidance, and training materials
* Ensure payroll compliance and controls are maintained throughout implementation
Go-Live & Transition
* Support payroll go-live activities and post-implementation stabilisation
* Assist with issue tracking, resolution, and handover to BAU payroll teams
* Provide ongoing support during early-life support following implementation
Qualifications
Skills & Experience
Essential
* Practical experience working in payroll (UK payroll experience essential)
* Strong understanding of payroll processes, controls, and compliance
* Experience supporting system change or implementation projects
* High attention to detail and strong data validation skills
* Ability to work collaboratively across HR, IT, and external suppliers
* Comfortable working to deadlines in a project environment
Desirable
* Experience supporting or working on a Workday Payroll implementation
* Experience with payroll testing and parallel runs
* Understanding of HRIS / payroll integrations
* Familiarity with project delivery methodologies
* Experience documenting payroll processes and controls