Payroll Accountant (Part-time) - London

Seeking a Payroll Accountant on a part-time basis for a 12-month fixed term contract within an FMCG business based in Central London. The Purpose of this role is to manage the end-to-end monthly payroll process on behalf of the company in partnership with our payroll provider. Monthly payroll processing will include coordinating, annualised and zero-hour/hourly payments, overtime and ad hoc payroll requirements including deductions, remuneration changes and pension contributions. Your primary role will involve managing and ensuring accurate and timely payment of wages, pensions, and holiday pay, and ensure calculations are legislatively compliant. You will also manage all regulatory accountabilities with HMRC. You will ensure payroll is processed accurately and in line with employment contracts; departmental cross charges, holiday accruals, ledger postings and balance sheet reconciliations.

Responsibilities:

A new payroll provider and process improvements: Source and implement a new automated driven payroll provider that can support and/or resource payroll support and reward administration by continuously reviewing and identifying improvements to payroll processes, systems, and controls to increase efficiency, accuracy, and compliance. Identify and implement automation opportunities where possible.

Payroll Processing: Coordinate and oversee the entire payroll process, including RPI increases, data collection from various sources, validation, calculations, and deductions. Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and company policies. Provide excellent internal customer service and ensure effective communication regarding payroll matters.

Payroll Administration: Maintain and update employee payroll records utilising trackers, including personal information, bank details, tax codes, and other relevant data. Process new hires, terminations, promotions, and salary/bonus changes accurately and promptly from the People Team payroll change tracker.

Benefit Management: Administer employee benefits such as, managing, tracking, and posting bonus accruals/payments accurately per department, pension scheme contributions, health insurance, and other statutory or voluntary benefits for benefits in kind reporting. Collaborate with People team and benefits providers to ensure accurate ledgers, deductions, and reporting.

Payroll Provider relationship management: Manage and provide guidance to external vendor to resolve payroll-related queries, issues, and discrepancies.

Audit and Compliance: Assist with internal and external audits related to payroll. Collaborate with auditors and provide necessary documentation and information to ensure compliance and address any findings or recommendations. Ensure robust controls are documented, maintained, and applied consistently across all payroll processes to external audit standard.

Reporting and Analysis: Review payroll reports, including payslips, tax summaries, and other relevant documents. Prepare and post payroll month end journals, schedules, and reports including balance sheet reconciliations in line with month end timetable. Prepare periodic reports for management, finance, and external auditors. Conduct analysis of payroll data to identify trends, discrepancies, and areas for improvement. Collaborate with the people team to aid accurate monthly reforecasting of headcount, including variance analysis against plan and producing summary insight reports on headcount for department heads.

Tax and Statutory Compliance: Stay updated on UK tax legislation and statutory requirements related to payroll, WTD and Zero-hour contract obligations. Ensure accurate calculation and submission of PAYE (Pay As You Earn), P11D's, PSA's, National Insurance contributions, pension deductions, and other relevant taxes or deductions.

Transactional: Facilitate general queries on tax code, payslips, benefit, allowances, salary sacrifice and deductions. Provide context and working knowledge on HMRC requirements around NI, SSP and Student Loans.

Requirements:

• Proficiency in payroll software and systems, with a focus on UK-specific platforms.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills, with a high attention to detail.
• Advanced proficiency in MS Excel for data analysis, reporting, and manipulation.
• Extensive experience in end-to-end payroll processing, ideally in a managerial role.
• Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation, tax regulations, and employment laws.
• Solid understanding of benefits administration and pension schemes.
• Familiarity with timekeeping systems.
• Up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices and trends in payroll management

To be considered for the role, candidates must be available to start the role immediately.