Interim Payroll & Benefits Specialist

Reading (Hybrid – 3 days office / 2 days home) | £300-£350 per day (Umbrella) | 3-4 Month Contract

An established international organisation is seeking an experienced Payroll & Benefits Specialist to join on an interim basis while a permanent hire is recruited.

This is a hands-on role responsible for delivering accurate, compliant payroll and benefits administration across the UK and international locations. You will work closely with HR, Finance, payroll providers, pension providers, and benefits partners to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end monthly payroll for c.150 employees.
• Process salaries, bonuses, commissions, expenses, statutory payments and deductions.
• Coordinate UK and international payroll activity through external providers.
• Ensure compliance with PAYE, National Insurance, RTI submissions, pensions and HMRC requirements.
• Manage starters, leavers, contractual changes, P45s, P60s, P11Ds and year-end activities.
• Act as the main point of contact for payroll queries.
• Administer pensions, private medical insurance, life assurance, salary sacrifice schemes and other employee benefits.
• Liaise with pension providers, brokers, insurers and payroll partners.
• Maintain payroll controls, reconciliations, reporting and audit documentation.
• Support payroll journals and reporting requirements.
• Drive process improvements and maintain payroll and benefits documentation.
• Ensure GDPR compliance and data accuracy.

Requirements

• 5+ years' payroll experience with responsibility for end-to-end payroll delivery.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, PAYE, NI, RTI, pensions and HMRC requirements.
• Experience administering employee benefits and pension schemes.
• Strong Excel and payroll systems experience.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and stakeholder management skills.
• CIPP qualification or equivalent experience desirable.
• International payroll exposure advantageous.

Contract Details

• Location: Reading (Hybrid – 3 days office / 2 days home)
• Rate: £300-£350 per day (Umbrella)
• Duration: 3-4 months
• Location: Reading
• Start: ASAP
• Purpose: Interim assignment whilst a permanent hire is recruited

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