Payroll & HR Specialist
Location: Hayes, Middlesex
Salary: Up to £45,000 + excellent benefits
Hours: 40 hours per week | Office-based
We are seeking an experienced Payroll & HR Specialist to join a growing UK head office function within an established international group. This is a critical payroll role with full end-to-end ownership of payroll, requiring deep technical knowledge, strong compliance awareness and the confidence to operate as the first point of contact for all payroll matters.
This role is suited to a payroll professional who understands the full lifecycle of payroll, not just processing, and who is comfortable managing payroll risk, audits and stakeholder queries independently.
About You
Extensive end-to-end UK payroll experience is essential
Hands-on Workday payroll experience is essential
Strong technical knowledge of payroll legislation, compliance and reporting
Confident operating independently with full payroll accountability
Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail
Strong Excel and Microsoft 365 capability
Professional, credible and confident communicator
Proactive, solutions-focused and comfortable managing competing priorities
The Role
Payroll Ownership (Primary Focus)
Full end-to-end responsibility for two UK monthly payrolls via Workday, including data validation, processing, reconciliation and BACS transmission
Act as the subject matter expert for payroll, providing guidance and resolving complex queries from employees and management
Ensure payroll compliance with UK legislation, HMRC regulations and internal controls
Identify, investigate and resolve discrepancies, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
Liaise with HMRC and external bodies as required
Prepare payroll reports for internal review and audit purposes
Produce P11Ds, P60s and support payroll-related audits
Manage pension and private medical scheme administration, ensuring accurate monthly submissions HR Administration & Support
Coordinate all new starter compliance checks (right to work, DBS, references)
Support onboarding and induction processes, working closely with line managers
Provide Workday support and guidance to managers and employees
Assist with recruitment administration, including adverts, CV screening and interview coordination
Prepare HR documentation and letters as required
Support absence tracking and general HR administration
Manage HR inbox and respond to reference requests
Benefits
KPI-related bonus
25 days holiday
Life insurance
Private medical insurance
Contributory pension
Staff purchase scheme
Team events and early Friday finishes
Training and long-term career development