The Payroll Analyst plays a critical role in ensuring the stability, integrity, and compliance of the organisation's payroll systems and processes.The role is responsible for maintaining system configurations, supporting end‑to‑end testing cycles, monitoring key controls, tracking issues, and delivering meaningful reporting and KPI insights that enhance payroll performance and decision‑making.As a key contributor to payroll governance, the Payroll Analyst helps ensure payroll operations remain accurate, efficient, audit‑ready, and fully compliant with all legal, regulatory, and organisational requirements.The role strengthens the internal control environment, supports change and process improvements, and contributes to the successful delivery and embedding of initiatives.Working closely with Payroll Operations, HR, Finance, and TDDI, the Payroll Analyst ensures system changes are robustly assessed, rigorously evaluated, and effectively implemented.Through proactive issue management, data analysis, and control monitoring, the role helps safeguard payroll accuracy and supports a safe, consistent, and well‑governed payroll environment.Join Sodexo and be part of something greater. You belong in a team where you can act with purpose and thrive in your own way.For more information on Sodexo Careers please visit Sodexo Careers Main ResponsibilitiesEnsure payroll systems are accurately configured, stable, and compliant with business rules, governance standards, and regulatory requirements, including ongoing data validation and control monitoring.Plan, execute, and document end-to-end payroll system testing (UAT, regression, and defect validation) for legislative updates, system changes, and transformation initiatives, ensuring audit-ready evidence.Provide analytical and governance support for payroll-related projects by contributing to requirements, impact assessments, test plans, and readiness activities while tracking risks, milestones, and dependencies.Produce accurate payroll performance reports, KPIs, trend analysis, and compliance dashboards to support decision-making, governance, and audit requirements.Payroll Systems Maintenance & ConfigurationMaintain and update payroll system configuration, ensuring accuracy, stability, and alignment with business rules and governance requirements.Support ongoing system maintenance activities including validations, master data checks, audit trails, and control monitoring.Liaise with HRIS/IT teams to resolve system defects, data issues, and configuration changes.System Testing, Controls & AssuranceLead and document system testing activities (UAT, regression testing, defect validation) for payroll updates, legislative changes and transformation‑related changes.Ensure test scenarios, expected outcomes, and evidence align with audit, compliance and control requirements.Support the monitoring, testing, and documentation of payroll controls, ensuring audit‑readiness and process consistency.Project Governance & Change SupportProvide analytical and administrative support for payroll‑related projects, ensuring adherence to governance, risk, and control standards.Contribute to project documentation including requirements, test plans, impact assessments, and readiness checklists.Track project dependencies, milestones, risks, and changes as part of structured program governance.Issue Tracking, Risk Monitoring & Resolution SupportMaintain issue logs, defect registers, and risk trackers to strengthen visibility of operational and system performance.Track resolution activities with Payroll Operations, HR Systems, and IT, ensuring timely closure and robust documentation.Monitor recurring issues to identify root causes and improvement opportunities.Accountabilities:Stable and Well‑Controlled Payroll SystemsPayroll systems operate reliably with accurate configuration, strong data integrity, and effective controls that support consistent, compliant payroll processing.Robust Testing and Safe Implementation of ChangeAll payroll system, legislative, and transformation changes are fully evaluated, documented, and implemented with minimal post‑deployment issues and clear audit evidence.Clear Visibility of Payroll Performance, Risks, and IssuesTimely, accurate reporting and KPIs provide meaningful insight into payroll performance, control effectiveness, risks, and trends to support informed decision‑making.Please see attached job description for further information regarding the role requirementsThe Ideal CandidateEssentialDemonstrable experience working in a payroll, HR systems, finance systems, or payroll governance environment.Practical experience supporting payroll systems, including configuration, data validation, testing, and issue resolution.Experience producing reports, KPIs, and analysis to support operational performance, controls, or governance.Experience working within structured governance, control, or audit‑ready environments.Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, issues, and deadlines in a high‑volume, time‑critical environment.DesirableExperience supporting payroll system implementations, upgrades, or transformation programmes.Knowledge of UK (and ideally ROI) payroll processes and legislative requirements.Experience working with large payroll or HR systems.Exposure to risk management, internal controls, or audit processes.Payroll or finance‑related qualification (e.g. CIPP, AAT, or equivalent experience).Technical & Professional Skills:Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to investigate data anomalies and system issues.Experience planning, executing, and documenting system testing (UAT, regression, defect validation).Advanced attention to detail with a strong focus on data accuracy and control integrity.Strong reporting capability, including the production of KPIs, dashboards, and performance insights.Confident use of Excel and reporting tools to analyse, reconcile, and present payroll data.Ability to document processes, controls, test evidence, and governance artefacts to a high standard.Strong understanding of change control, issue tracking, and risk management disciplines.Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater.You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way.In addition, we offer20 Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.For further details regarding our Sodexo benefits please see attached. Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!About The CompanyAt Sodexo, our purpose is to create a better everyday for everyone to build a better life for all.As the global leader in services that improve the Quality of Life, we operate in 55 countries, serving over 100 million consumers each day through our unique combination of On-Site Food and FM Services, Benefits & Rewards Services and Personal & Home Services.We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity.We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves.We recognise that we're on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.We're a Disability Confident Leader employer.We're committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations.We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.