Senior payroll officer

Wärtsilä is an innovative technology company known for being a forerunner in the Marine and Energy markets. Every day, we – Wärtsilians - put our hearts and minds into turning Wärtsilä's purpose of enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services into reality. Our ultimate aim is to provide increased value to both our customers and society. New, game-changing ideas and continuous improvement have been part of our DNA since 1834. Together, we can create new business opportunities and more sustainable future that we can all be proud of.

We want to transition the world towards a decarbonised and sustainable future. By pushing the boundaries of engineering and technology, we can make it work. We are always on the lookout for future-oriented talent – want to join the ride?

We’re looking for a detail-driven and experienced Senior Payroll Officer to join our team, playing a critical role in delivering a seamless and compliant payroll experience for our employees. Reporting into our Head of People Services, you’ll take ownership of an end-to-end payroll service across the employee lifecycle ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and a positive employee experience at every stage. This position is offered on a permanent basis on part time hours (22.5 hours per week/ 3 days per week) and based out of our office in Fareham, UK, where hybrid working can be supported.

What you’ll be doing

• Deliver a high-quality, accurate, and timely end-to-end payroll service across the full employee lifecycle ensuring deadlines are achieved.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payment and updating internal stakeholders on legislation changes.
• Take ownership of payroll systems, overseeing maintenance and ensuring robust data integrity and quality.
• Manage and optimise payroll-related benefits, including salary sacrifice schemes, deductions and ensuring effective pension administration.
• Act as a key point of contact for payroll queries, providing clear, timely guidance to employees and managers.
• Take ownership of monthly and year-end reporting, delivering precise, high-quality outputs you can stand behind.
• Manage contract with external payroll provider.
• Drive payroll project delivery, including establishing new payrolls and supporting business changes such as acquisitions, mergers, and divestments.
• Support and coordinate payroll audit activities, ensuring robust documentation, accuracy, and compliance with audit requirements.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy and operational efficiency.
• Demonstrate flexibility by supporting ad hoc activities and additional responsibilities aligned to evolving business needs.

What you will have

• A CIPP qualification or equivalent.
• Proven experience in running end-to-end payroll, ideally within large payroll, multi-site environment.
• Experience in processing timesheets/variable hours, statutory payments, HMRC submissions and deductions.
• Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and compliance.
• Excellent numerical and reconciliation skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to promote strong working relationships across a variety of stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively prioritise and work to strict deadlines.
• Proactive approach to identifying challenges and bringing process improvement initiatives forward.
• Experience with our ADP payroll systems would be an advantage.
• Proficiency in the English language, written and verbal.

Why you and us

As part of the UK HR team, you will be supported by a professional and collaborative group. We value authenticity and proactiveness. While we take our work seriously, we also bring humour into our daily routines. You’ll be part of a lively, energetic team that makes things happen. We strongly believe that by being your true self, you can achieve so much more. Join our truly international team and you will be empowered, supported, and valued at Wärtsilä. Together, we are passionate about making a difference in society. Working as one global team in a caring and honest atmosphere, we continuously improve ourselves and the way we work.

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job‑relevant merits and abilities. Please note that according to Wärtsila policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.