Payroll Specialist

At BCLP, we’ve built our firm on the foundations of thinking differently. Curious, inquisitive and unbound by tradition, we’re building change within our sector and beyond.

It starts with our people, which is why we need a Payroll Specialist to join our Finance team. Reporting to the Senior Payroll Manager, EMEAA, you’ll be responsible for managing end-to-end payroll processes across our UK, European, and Middle Eastern offices.

We’re looking for someone with strong expertise in UK payroll and PAYE legislation, and ideally, experience handling international payrolls. You’ll also support the Senior Payroll Manager with various projects and ad-hoc tasks.

What's in it for you?

Join a highly regarded international law firm that is committed to investing in its people through ongoing learning, development and career growth opportunities.

Be part of a collaborative and supportive culture where your contribution is valued and recognised.

Play a key role in shaping the future of payroll at BCLP, with significant investment in technology and a review of the firm's current payroll systems and processes.

Work in an inclusive environment where diversity, equity and belonging are championed, and everyone is treated with fairness and respect.

You’ll be responsible for:

Preparation of UK, Europe & Middle East payrolls (start to finish, in house and outsourced)

Providing accurate payroll data to BCLP payroll vendors within set deadlines

Expert at calculating various international payments / deductions / pro ratas

Manage BCLP payroll vendors queries & assist them with payroll processing

Check all payroll input in the software / reports

Prepare sign off analysis for Senior Payroll Manager EMEAA for all BCLP payrolls

Good administration of payroll inbox on daily basis (response time maximum 24 hours)

Prepare & send monthly UK Pension contributions to 3rd party

Prepare any ad-hoc payments for sign off and payment (advances, cheques, etc)

Prepare 3rd party payments (HMRC, GAYE, etc..) for sign off and payment

Prepare reconciliations for reducing balance UK benefits (Season ticket, Loans, Ride2Work, etc)

Prepare payroll analysis as requested

Building strong relationships with other BCLP teams and 3rd parties

Apply correctly BCLP policies, practices and processes in day to day activity

Working together with the Senior Payroll manager on the project of implementing a new EMEAA payroll solution, part-managed (data migration & analysis, new processes design, reporting design, parallel runs, etc)

Support with payroll projects, as required

Key relationships:

You will be working closely with Finance & Accounting team, People Team (inclusive of Benefits and Reward teams) and payroll vendors.

You will be supporting and advising on payroll queries for all BCLP employees (Business Services and legal staff) – it is paramount that you are confident in your skills and knowledge and work towards building strong relationships.

Skills and experience required:

Essential

At least 5 years' payroll experience, including a minimum of 3 years within a professional services or legal environment.

Strong knowledge of UK PAYE legislation and statutory payroll requirements.

Experience processing international payrolls.

Ability to perform manual gross-to-net calculations, with a strong understanding of UK payroll taxation, benefits and deductions.

Good knowledge of UK statutory parental leave regulations and associated payroll calculations.

Advanced Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel, with experience managing large volumes of data, payroll analysis and reconciliations.

Experience coordinating both outsourced and in-house payroll operations, including highly manual payroll processes.

Strong understanding of UK pensions and benefits administration through payroll.

Ability to identify opportunities for improvement, challenge existing processes and drive operational efficiencies.

Desirable

Experience preparing and posting manual payroll journals.

CIPP qualification, or currently studying towards a recognised payroll qualification.

Skills and Competencies

Ability to take ownership of payroll activities and deliver high-quality work with minimal supervision.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a methodical approach to complex payroll matters.

Confident reviewing and validating your own work before management review and sign-off.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll matters clearly to a range of stakeholders.

Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining accuracy.

Strong data management skills, with experience handling confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships across HR, Finance and external payroll providers.

Proactive and adaptable, with a commitment to continuous improvement and process enhancement.

Eagerness to learn, develop new skills and stay up to date with payroll legislation and best practice.

At BCLP we understand the value of a workforce with diverse perspectives and experiences, and we believe people perform at their best when they can truly be themselves at work. We aim to create an inclusive environment where all our employees are valued, motivated and able to be themselves. In order to provide the best possible service to our robust client base, we are committed to recruiting, retaining, rewarding and developing our people with regard to their abilities and contributions and without reference to their background, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnic origin, age, religion, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, political belief, disability or any other applicable protected characteristic.