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 for approximately 150 employees across the UK, New Zealand, USA, Germany and the Netherlands. Working closely with HR, Finance, payroll providers and benefits partners, you will ensure payroll is delivered accurately and on time across multiple jurisdictions.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end monthly payroll for c.150 employees.
• Facilitate payroll across the UK, New Zealand, USA, Germany and the Netherlands through local payroll providers.
• Process salaries, bonuses, commissions, expenses, statutory payments and deductions.
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, PAYE, National Insurance, RTI submissions, pension auto-enrolment 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 across multiple countries.
• Process and reconcile pension contributions, including international schemes where applicable.
• Maintain payroll controls, reconciliations, reporting and audit documentation.
• 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 supporting multi-country payrolls and working with international payroll providers.
• 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.

Contract Details

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

Immediate availability or a short notice period is highly desirable.

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