Payroll and Finance Specialist
Location: Hull, UK
Reporting to: Finance Director
Role overview
We are seeking an experienced Payroll and Finance Specialist to take full ownership of our end-to-end payroll operations across the UK and US, while supporting the Finance team with payroll reconciliations, reporting and compliance. Reporting to the Finance Director, this is a hands-on role requiring excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to manage multiple payrolls across seven entities (including weekly and monthly runs) as well as a small US payroll via ADP. The role will also play a key part in financial controls, balance sheet reconciliations, and acting as the link between Finance, HR and external providers.
The role will be based in our Hull office, and may require occasional travel to our head office in London.
About Us
Progressive Media Investments is a modern media company behind some of the UK's most influential brands. From New Statesman and Press Gazette to Elite Traveler, Spear's and The World of Fine Wine, our portfolio spans politics, business, luxury and lifestyle. We combine trusted journalism with data and events to deliver insight, analysis and experiences that engage audiences and shape conversations. With a focus on digital transformation and growth, we are a fast-moving, ambitious organisation with a collaborative culture.
In addition to supporting Progressive Media Investments, this role will also cover payroll operations for several privately owned businesses within the Danson family portfolio, including The Samling Hotel, Estel, and Accelerate Ventures. This offers a unique opportunity to work across a diverse set of industries - from media and investment to luxury hospitality - delivering accurate, end-to-end payroll support in a fast-paced and high-trust environment.
Key responsibilities
Payroll (UK & US):
* Deliver accurate payrolls across 9 UK entities (9 payrolls, 1 X weekly, 7 X monthly, 1 X 2 months/year) using Rippling.
* Fully responsible for the small US payroll, processed via ADP bureau: collating data, approving runs, and reconciling outputs.
* Manage the Employer of Record (EOR) relationship for one European employee.
* Manage all statutory reporting and submissions (RTI, P11D, P60, year-end, etc.); act as the main point of contact for HMRC.
* Administer benefits, deductions, and statutory leave payments (holiday pay, sick pay, family leave).
* Handle payroll-related employee queries across both jurisdictions.
* Keep up to date with payroll legislation and ensure company compliance at all times.
Benefits and pensions:
* Maintain pension compliance, including auto-enrolment and monthly pension uploads.
* Maintain the ongoing relationship with the company's benefits broker, supporting the Head of HR and Group Finance Director with annual reviews and renewals.
* Support administration of employee benefits (eg. private medical insurance, life assurance, other group schemes).
* Ensure smooth employee enrolment/changes and accurate benefits data reporting.
Finance support:
* Complete payroll-related balance sheet reconciliations and resolve variances.
* Support cash flow forecasting and treasury reporting with accurate payroll data.
* Provide payroll reporting for Finance and HR teams.
* Lead payroll-related aspects of audits and statutory accounts preparation.
Skills and experience
* Significant payroll experience, ideally covering both weekly and monthly payrolls across multiple entities.
* Up-to-date knowledge of UK payroll legislation, pension compliance, and auto-enrolment.
* Experience with payroll bureau or accountancy practice background desirable.
* Strong understanding of statutory compliance (UK PAYE, NIC, pensions; US payroll basics advantageous).
* Skilled in reconciliations, balance sheets, and payroll accounting.
* Strong systems knowledge (e.g. ADP, Rippling, Sage, or equivalent).
* Clear and confident communicator, able to explain payroll and compliance matters to both finance and non-finance colleagues.
* Experience managing relationships with benefits brokers or benefits providers.
* High attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to meet deadlines.
* Proactive, organised, and able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Company benefits
* 25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays)
* Additional days off for your birthday, health and well-being day and volunteering day
* Hybrid working arrangements, three days in the office
* Subscription to NS publications and all other online content
* Access to a discounted shopping program
* Cycle to work scheme
* Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
* Enhanced company sick pay after probation
Applications will close on Monday, 22 September and Teams interviews will be held on 23 and 24 September 2025. Priority will be given to candidates who can start in October 2025 to enable to full handover with the current Payroll Manager.
Progressive Media Investments values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. Please inform the hiring manager if you require any reasonable adjustments so that you can fully participate in the recruitment process.
Please note, candidates must have, or be able to independently obtain, the right to live and work in the United Kingdom as we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Cycle to work scheme
* Enhanced maternity leave
* Enhanced paternity leave
* Referral programme
* Sick pay
* Work from home
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Kingston upon Hull HU1 1NQ