Payroll Specialist, EMEA
London, UK / Milton Keynes, UK
Business Services – Finance /
Permanent /
Hybrid
Xero is a beautiful, easy-to-use platform that helps small businesses and their accounting and bookkeeping advisors grow and thrive.
At Xero, our purpose is to make life better for people in small business, their advisors, and communities around the world. This purpose sits at the centre of everything we do. We support our people to do the best work of their lives so that they can help small businesses succeed through better tools, information and connections. Because when they succeed they make a difference, and when millions of small businesses are making a difference, the world is a more beautiful place.
How you’ll make an impact
The Payroll Specialist - EMEA is part of the CFO Team, which undertakes the finance function for all of Xero’s worldwide operations. The Pay Team is a global shared service within our wider CFO Team, responsible for all payroll matters across the Xero Group.
The Payroll Specialist - EMEA will be part of the team responsible for the efficient and accurate processing of payroll for the employees based in EMEA You will work closely with the Payroll Manager - UK & EMEA, People Experience (PX), Finance and third party payroll providers in managing these payrolls.
What You'll Do
- You’ll be responsible for the effective and accurate processing of payroll and associated processes, including :Managing payroll for the employees based in EMEA, including the UK, Denmark, Norway, Germany and Sweden.
- Working with the Payroll Manager and payroll provider in preparing and reviewing payroll submissions including company specific payroll returns, tax returns, online filings with tax authorities, pension, health and other benefit contribution and reporting, ensuring all requirements are met within required timeframes
- Liaising with third party payroll providers to build good relationships and to provide accurate processing of outsourced payroll data
- Administering holiday/maternity/paternity/sickness reporting and reimbursements
- Administering pension, health and other benefit contributions, including monitoring pension calculation, caps and maintaining salary sacrifice arrangements
- Administering payroll services in accordance with organisational policies and procedures and in line with the legislative, departmental and auditing requirements
- Identifying and resolving day to day payroll issues, escalating any significant risks and issues in a timely manner
- Assisting with the monthly balancing and reconciliation of the payroll control accounts, including accurate and timely payment of all payroll liabilities, in line with relevant legislation
- Preparing and processing of Employment Termination Payments
- Manage and complete year-end reporting and statistics as required
- Processing payroll related payments on time Maintaining accurate records and follow procedures with respect to the proper filing of hard and soft copy information
- Working with People Experience (PX) to maintain the integrity of employee data in the HRIS (Workday)Responding to staff queries and promoting a strong customer focus with ongoing emphasis on quality of service delivery
- Supporting the Payroll Manager - EMEA in identifying opportunities for continuous improvement in processes, and recommend solutions to improve the value delivered to customers and stakeholders
- Ad-hoc project work as required
Success Looks Like
- Effective management of the payroll function for EMEA, including the UK. (Support would be provided for Denmark, Norway, Germany and Sweden payroll)
- Quality, accuracy and timeliness of payroll data
- All payments in accordance with legislation and/or company policy with appropriate level of authorisation
- Posting of payroll costs to the General Ledger accurately and on time
- Regular payroll reporting provided to stakeholders as scheduled
- Solving complex problems and becoming a subject matter expert in one or more areas of payroll legislation
What You'll Bring With You - Critical Competencies
- Fluent in English
- Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy essential
- Strong planning, organisational and self-management skills with an ability to manage multiple competing priorities
- An aptitude for self-development for current and future employment
- A genuine team player who works collaboratively with and contributes to the function of a high performing team
- Excellent time management in a deadline driven environment
- Strong administrative and procedural skills
- Advanced technical knowledge on some areas of payroll, independent and self reliant to come up with judgements and recommendations
- Ability to research complex matters and translate legislation into practice
What You'll Bring With You - Experience
- Strong knowledge and proven payroll processing experience gained through running payroll in the UK and other Nordic/European countries would be an advantage
- Payroll experience in global payroll would be an advantage
Why Xero?
Offering very generous paid leave to use however you’d like (plus statutory holidays!), dedicated paid leave to care for your physical and mental wellbeing as well as an Employee Assistance Program to access mental health care for you and your family, private medical insurance, gym passes, employee resource groups, 26 weeks of paid parental leave for primary caregivers, an Employee Share Plan, beautiful offices, flexible working, and many other benefits that reflect our human value, you’ll do the best work of your life at Xero.
Research has shown that women and underrepresented groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single competency or experience . If you are excited about this role, but your past experience doesn't align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway. You could be just the right person for this role and Xero. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at time of application and throughout the interview process.
