Senior Payroll Specialist & Process Expert - EMEA

This role is based in our Colchester Office. This is an exciting opportunity to help manage the effect delivery of payroll services, whilst shaping the future of payroll processes across the EMEA region. As the EMEA Senior Payroll Specialist & Process Expert, you will focus on driving innovation, continuous improvement, and strategic projects to ensure payroll processes are modern, efficient, and aligned with the latest industry standards. Working alongside the Payroll Operations Manager, you will concentrate on process design, system integration, and stakeholder collaboration, alongside day-to-day payroll operations. This is a hybrid role whereby a strong knowledge and understanding of day-to-day payroll operations will help further the drive for continuous improvement and strength of process design. Reporting to the Regional Head of Payroll, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact by building and integrating new payroll processes, leveraging AI and automation technologies, and ensuring scalable solutions that meet the needs of a global organisation. Senior Payroll Specialist - Act as a Subject Matter Expert on Payroll Processes and Systems - Carry out Monthly Payroll checks ensuring the payrolls are accurate, compliant and ready for approval - Prepare the monthly payroll analysis reports and payroll approval documentation to present to senior management for payroll approval - Ensure the payment of salaries and third-party payments through the relevant on-line bank platforms are processed accurately and on time, whilst also ensuring the accounts are sufficiently funded - Running and reconciling the payroll journals and accurately uploading them into the finance system for reporting purposes. - Providing ad hoc reports to Finance, HR, and Managers regarding payroll costs. - Oversee the year end payroll obligations regarding P11D and Class1A submission to the HMRC. - Support employees with issues relating to pay, tax, national insurance, pensions and benefits processed through the payroll. Process Design and Innovation - Lead the design and implementation of modern, scalable payroll processes that embrace innovation and efficiency. - Identify opportunities to leverage AI and automation technologies to streamline payroll workflows and reduce manual effort. - Collaborate with internal teams to optimise end-to-end payroll processes, ensuring alignment with business needs and future scalability. - Proactively troubleshoot process inefficiencies and implement solutions to drive continuous improvement. Strategic Projects and Integration - Support the Project Lead with new payroll implementations by ensuring all processes are thoroughly scoped and mapped prior to BAU transition, and that roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and documented - Play a key role in building and integrating new payroll systems, ensuring they are fit for purpose and aligned with the latest industry standards. - Support the Regional Payroll Lead in delivering strategic payroll projects, including system implementations, transitions, and integrations. Stakeholder and Relationship Management - Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including HR, Finance, and Benefits teams, to ensure payroll requirements are met. - Collaborate with external payroll providers to maintain high service standards and address any operational challenges. - Act as a trusted advisor to stakeholders, providing expert guidance on payroll processes and system capabilities. - Provide regular updates to the Regional Payroll Lead on project progress, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Compliance and Data Integrity - Ensure payroll processes comply with statutory regulations, company policies, and GDPR requirements. - Conduct regular audits and checks to maintain the accuracy and security of payroll data. - Maintain up-to-date payroll procedures and ensure adherence across the region. - Act as a key contact for internal and external audits, providing required documentation and ensuring compliance. - Ensure compliance with the General Data Processing Requirements (GDPR) when dealing with payroll data and records. - Extensive experience in payroll operations within a complex, multi-country organization, with expertise in EMEA payrolls. - Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, including HMRC regulations and GDPR compliance. - Proven ability to act as a payroll subject matter expert, providing guidance and advice to stakeholders. - Exceptional organizational skills with a keen eye for detail and accuracy. - Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills, with the ability to resolve issues effectively. - Experience in process improvement, including leveraging AI and automation technologies. - Advanced Excel skills, including XLOOKUP and data analysis. - Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Desirable - Experience with payroll system administration and process automation. - Familiarity with managing payroll in a shared services environment. - Professional payroll qualifications (e.g., CIPP or equivalent). - Experience in project management or supporting strategic initiatives