Background
Sygnature Discovery is a world-leading integrated drug discovery Contract Research Organisation based in the UK and Canada with its headquarters in Nottingham and additional facilities in Alderley Park, Macclesfield, Glasgow, Montreal and Quebec City. Its staff of over 1,000, includes 900 scientists, partners with global pharma, biotech and NFP organisations.
Since 2004, Sygnature Discovery has delivered over 40 novel pre-clinical and 22 clinical compounds, with its scientists named on over 170 patents. Therapeutic areas of expertise include oncology, inflammation and immunology, neuroscience, metabolic diseases, infectious diseases, fibrotic diseases and more. To find out more, please visit www.sygnaturediscovery.com.
About the role:
We are looking for an experienced part-time Payroll Specialist to join our Nottingham-based HR team to manage Sygnature Discovery’s payroll processes. This role will report to the HR Operations Manager but involve working closely with the wider HR and finance teams to ensure a seamless payroll delivery.
You will manage the entire payroll process from start to finish, with a focus on accuracy, process improvements, and system implementation. The successful candidate must feel confident in acting as Sygnature Discovery's payroll expert. Experience in managing and running payroll independently is essential, and involvement in the implementation of a new payroll system would be highly desirable.
This is a part-time and permanent role, working 22.5 hours a week. Flexible hours are preferred, but not essential, with the option to condense hours around payroll week. School working hours also will be considered, though it is important to note that consistency of working hours is essential around each monthly payroll deadline.
Principal responsibilities will include:
- Responsible for managing the entire payroll process for employees across various departments and locations, ensuring payments are accurate and processed on time.
- Maintain payroll systems and records, including new hires, terminations, changes to salaries, and other payroll adjustments.
- Prepare and submit payroll, deductions, and benefits contributions within tight deadlines
- Collaborate with HR and Finance to put in place robust payroll procedures to ensure the accuracy of payroll data, including employee benefits, pensions, and deductions.
- Resolve payroll discrepancies and answer payroll-related queries from employees and management.
- Ensure compliance with payroll regulations, including PAYE, National Insurance Contributions (NICs), pension schemes (auto-enrolment), and statutory payments (SSP, SMP).
- Prepare and submit payroll reporting, including RTI (Real Time Information) submissions to HMRC.
- Manage payroll-related reporting and audit requests.
- Prepare and distribute pay slips, p45s, p60s, P11Ds, and other payroll-related documentation.
- Undertake regular payroll audits to ensure accuracy and compliance (with employment, pension and tax legislation, and reporting requirements), and implement improvements as needed.
- Provide valuable, data-driven insights to senior management.
- Supporting the HR operations team with benefits administration
- Stay updated on payroll best practices, employment legislation and other payroll-related regulations.
- Take leading role in a payroll related projects including, new system implementation and system optimisation with our HRIS Bob.
Key requirements:
- Excellent understanding of payroll practices, ensuring compliance with HMRC and other legislative requirements
- Experience working as a payroll manager, specialist or in a standalone position, and running inhouse payroll.
- Strong knowledge of payroll software and HRIS systems. Knowledge of Sage Payroll and HiBob HRIS is desirable.
- Confident in data input and analysis.
- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion
- Attention to detail – thorough, accurate and consistent in completing tasks.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Excellent IT Skills including MS Office, including advanced excel skills
- A self-starter - self-motivated, proactive, and able to act on own initiative.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills - experience of dealing with staff at all levels including Senior Leaders and Directors.
- Experience of working in a busy environment, an understanding of the importance of deadlines and the ability to work under pressure.
- Experience within a professional services environment preferred but not essential.
- Previous experience with payroll-related projects, such as system implementations is desirable .
Qualifications:
-
Maths and English GCSE A-C or equivalent
- Attained or working towards CIPP (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals) qualification or equivalent.
