Payroll Analyst


Company:	Hays Specialist Recruitment
Salary:	£34,000 to £38,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	City of London, EC2V 6DN
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 3 days remote
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	15 Sept 2026
Closing date:	15 Oct 2026

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Summary

Hybrid working available

Excellent development and career progression prospects

Access to professional training and qualifications

Comprehensive employee benefits package

Inclusive and diverse working environment

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Analyst to join a busy Payroll & Pensions function within our prestigious education client.

This is an excellent opportunity for a payroll professional with strong reporting and data analysis skills to play a key role in supporting payroll operations, system improvements, compliance activities and business reporting.

Duties include;

Produce and maintain payroll reports, dashboards and management information using reporting tools and agreed templates.

Analyse payroll, pension and workforce data to provide accurate and meaningful insights.

Carry out regular data validation, reconciliations and control checks to ensure payroll accuracy and data integrity.

Investigate data discrepancies and payroll anomalies, escalating complex issues as required.

Respond to payroll reporting requests, delivering accurate information within agreed timescales.

Support testing activities for payroll and HR systems, including system upgrades, enhancements and implementations.

Maintain process documentation, working instructions, process maps and testing evidence.

Contribute to process reviews and identify opportunities for service improvements and automation.

Support payroll system enhancements and continuous improvement initiatives.

Develop and maintain expertise in payroll systems and reporting tools.

Ensure payroll reporting activities comply with payroll legislation, internal controls and data protection requirements.

Complete monitoring reports and control checks to support payroll compliance.

Provide data and supporting documentation for internal and external audit requirements.

Handle sensitive and confidential employee information securely and professionally.

Build effective relationships with Payroll, Pensions, HR, Finance and IT teams.

Communicate payroll data and reporting information clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Provide guidance on payroll reports and processes, ensuring a high standard of customer service.

Respond to payroll-related queries in line with agreed service levels.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

✅ Experience of producing reports and analysing data within a payroll environment.

✅ Good understanding of payroll processes, statutory requirements and payroll controls.

✅ Must have strong Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, lookups, filters and data validation.

✅ Experience identifying and resolving data discrepancies through investigation and analysis.

✅ Excellent attention to detail when working with high-volume and confidential data.

✅ Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.

✅ Excellent communication skills, able to present information effectively to a range of stakeholders.

✅ The ability to work independently whilst collaborating effectively as part of a wider team.

If you're a payroll professional with a passion for data analysis, reporting and continuous improvement, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to take the next step in your payroll career

No sponsorship available for this post.

Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk

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