Join the Payroll team at ESP Global Services and become part of a dynamic, fast‑paced global business environment. This opportunity is ideally suited to an early‑career payroll professional with foundational UK payroll experience who is looking to build a long‑term career within payroll, benefits, and international payroll operations.
When hired, you will be responsible for supporting the day‑to‑day administration of UK payroll activities while gaining exposure to international payrolls, payroll controls, reporting, pensions, and wider finance operations. The successful candidate will join a structured development pathway that provides progressive career growth over several years, with increasing responsibility and international exposure as capability develops.
While candidates with broader payroll experience may be considered at a higher level within the payroll structure, this position is primarily aimed at individuals with up to 3 years of UK payroll experience who are looking to develop their career in a global organisation.
ESP is committed to developing and retaining payroll talent through a structured progression framework. An indicative pathway can move from administrator to senior in the first year and on through to payroll and benefits advisor (UK), Payroll Specialist (EMEA) and Payroll Specialist (Global), subject to individual performance, capability development, and business needs.
This role is therefore well‑suited to someone seeking long‑term progression within payroll and global people operations.
Brief Description
Payroll Administrator (UK) – Reading
Salary: Up to £28,000 per annum
Career Development Pathway
This role provides a structured development pathway that can advance from administrator to senior within a year, and further to payroll and benefits advisor (UK), Payroll Specialist (EMEA), and Payroll Specialist (Global) based on performance and capability.
Key Accountabilities
* Support the preparation and administration of the UK payroll, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
* Assist in maintaining payroll records and processing payroll changes including starters, leavers, contractual amendments, and absence changes.
* Liaise with external payroll providers and internal stakeholders to ensure payroll information is accurate and submitted within deadlines.
* Support payroll checking and validation activities to maintain compliance and accuracy.
* Respond to employee payroll and benefits queries in a professional and timely manner.
* Assist with monthly pension administration and submissions.
* Support year‑end payroll activities and associated reporting requirements.
* Maintain payroll documentation and follow established payroll processes and controls.
* Assist with payroll reporting and data reconciliation activities where required.
* Contribute to continuous improvement of payroll administration processes and procedures.
Essential Requirements
* Up to 3 years’ experience supporting or processing UK payroll activities.
* Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
* Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
* Good organisational and time‑management skills.
* Comfortable working to deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
* Strong communication and customer‑service skills.
* Proactive and willing to learn within a developing payroll function.
* Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
Preferred Requirements
* Exposure to payroll systems such as ADP or similar platforms.
* Experience supporting payroll administration within a multi‑site or international business.
* Basic understanding of pensions or payroll compliance processes.
* Previous finance or payroll administration experience.
Ideal Candidates
* A Payroll Administrator looking to accelerate their career development.
* A finance or HR administrator seeking a move into payroll.
* An individual motivated by long‑term progression and international exposure.
* Someone looking to grow into a specialist or management‑level payroll career over time.
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