Senior Payroll Analyst

Senior Payroll Analyst
Haddenham, UK - Hybrid Setting
Fixed Term Contract – 18 months
We are seeking an experienced UK Payroll Expert to take full ownership of end-to-end payroll operations for approximately 1,000 employees. This is a senior-level position requiring strong technical expertise, autonomy, and the ability to operate in a complex, international environment.
The successful candidate will ensure payroll accuracy, compliance with UK legislation, strong internal controls, and high-quality service delivery to employees and stakeholders.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
Payroll Operations
* Manage the end-to-end monthly and end of year UK payroll process for approximately 1,000 employees.
* Review, validate, and process payroll inputs including salary changes, bonuses, variable pay, benefits, absences, statutory payments, bank updates, and terminations.
* Ensure full compliance with UK payroll legislation (HMRC, PAYE, NIC, statutory leave, pensions auto-enrolment, etc.) and Sox Controls adherence
* Prepare payroll for approval and ensure timely, accurate payroll execution.
* Manage and submit all tax filings and third-party payments within statutory deadlines.
* Perform detailed payroll reconciliations (GL interface, tax, pensions, benefits, payroll accounts) and resolve discrepancies.
* Maintain up-to-date payroll documentation and ensure audit readiness.
* As part of a global payroll team, provide support and backup to other countries when required, including Poland, France, Italy, and North America, ensuring collaboration and continuity of service.
Stakeholder & Vendor Management
* Serve as the primary payroll contact for UK employees, HR, and Finance.
* Partner closely with HR Business Partners, Total Rewards and Finance teams to ensure payroll accuracy and alignment.
* Support internal and external audit activities as required.
Continuous Improvement
* Contribute to payroll system enhancements, upgrades, and testing activities where required.
* Drive best practices in payroll governance and compliance.
CANDIDATE PROFILE
* Degree in Administration, Accounting, Finance, Business, or related field.
* CIPP qualified
* Strong and proven progressive payroll experience, with strong hands-on UK payroll expertise.
* In-depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
* Experience supporting or interacting with multi-country payroll environments is an advantage.
* Proven ability to manage payroll independently in a complex environment.
* SAP experience preferred.
* Advanced Excel skills with strong analytical and reconciliation capability.
TO APPLY
Agencies: McCormick as needed will work with external recruitment vendors through our Agency Portal. Unless previously contacted, McCormick does not accept unsolicited resumes from external recruiting agencies.
McCormick & Company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, colour, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies