Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist - Swindon (Hybrid) | Competitive Day Rate
Sector: Central Government
Location: Swindon (Southwest)
Working Arrangement: Hybrid (1 day per week on-site)
Salary: Competitive (Inside IR35)
Hours: Full time, Monday-Friday
Contract Type: Contract (to August 2025, with potential to extend)
Reference: JG-

Why join our client?

Be part of a high-performing payroll team as a Payroll Specialist at the heart of a major transformation in public sector services. This is an opportunity to contribute to the future of digital payroll operations, supporting one of the UK's largest shared services providers. You'll work alongside professionals dedicated to excellence, in an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.

Key responsibilities

• As the Payroll Specialist you will deliver accurate and timely payroll support, acting as a trusted expert across both daily operations and strategic initiatives.
• Tackle complex payroll queries with confidence, liaising across internal teams and external clients.
• Lead key annual payroll activities, including year-end reconciliations, overpayment calculations, and statutory returns.
• Play a central role in testing and rolling out new payroll technologies (Oracle Fusion, Workday).
• Support BACS submissions and ensure compliance with evolving HMRC requirements.
• Help mentor and guide team members, sharing technical knowledge and identifying development needs.

What we're looking for

• As Payroll Specialist you will demonstrate a background in a high-volume payroll function, with a solid grasp of statutory payroll rules and procedures.
• Skilled in manual payroll calculations, especially in complex or multi-year overpayment scenarios.
• Strong communication skills-able to explain intricate data clearly to non-specialists.
• Comfortable handling difficult conversations with professionalism and clarity.
• Analytical mindset with meticulous attention to detail and a solutions-oriented approach.

Desirable

• CIPP qualification or working towards it.
• Familiarity with Oracle (or similar ERP/SaaS systems).
• Experience advising or collaborating with senior stakeholders.
• Exposure to change programmes or digital payroll transformation.

What is on offer

• A meaningful role in a fast-evolving government services organisation.
• Flexible hybrid working - typically just 1 day per week in the Swindon office.
• The chance to shape best-in-class payroll operations in the public sector.
• Opportunities to build your expertise during a major ERP transformation.

How to apply

• Quote Payroll Specialist - JG- in your application.
• Submit your CV in Word format.
• Applications are assessed on a rolling basis-early application is advised.