Payroll Specialist

Payroll Specialist
Role Overview
The role is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the iTrent payroll system, coordinating payroll data and ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing.

The postholder will act as a key link between internal people teams, business stakeholders and external payroll providers, helping to maintain service standards, resolve issues and improve operational efficiency.

Responsibilities 

• Oversee the configuration, administration and ongoing maintenance of the iTrent payroll system, ensuring it operates effectively and accurately.
• Manage the reliable transfer of employee and payroll information between People First and iTrent.
• Monitor scheduled data transfers, validate incoming information and investigate any discrepancies or failed transactions.
• Act as the primary internal contact for payroll input, data uploads and system-related queries from subsidiary businesses.
• Coordinate with business teams to ensure payroll submissions meet agreed deadlines and comply with established procedures.
• Process variable payroll data directly within iTrent or through approved upload templates, ensuring submissions align with payroll timetables.
• Complete payroll data uploads on behalf of business units, identifying exceptions, investigating errors and recommending appropriate corrective action.
• Prepare and submit payroll data files for all relevant business entities to the external payroll provider in accordance with agreed schedules.
• Build effective working relationships with subsidiary People teams, supporting the successful operation of the outsourced payroll service.
• Review existing payroll processes and collaborate with stakeholders to identify improvements, streamline workflows and increase operational efficiency.
• Undertake manual payroll calculations where necessary to validate figures and resolve processing queries.
• Examine payroll reports supplied by the external provider, identify required amendments and ensure corrections are communicated within agreed deadlines.
• Complete payroll checks and authorise payroll outputs in line with established approval procedures and processing schedules.
• Proactively investigate and resolve payroll issues in collaboration with the senior payroll lead and external provider, escalating complex matters where appropriate.