Overview

Senior Payroll Associate role at EY. We are currently looking for Senior Payroll Associates to join our growing UK Payroll Operate in either Newcastle Upon Tyne, Manchester or Belfast. This is an excellent opportunity to join our fast-growing payroll team within EY. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, the successful candidate will be part of a team with responsibility for the successful payroll implementation or delivery of payroll services for new and existing clients. You will ensure all payrolls are executed to a high standard, manage stakeholders, report on internal EY metrics and build positive relationships across the firm. You will prioritise your time and workload to ensure payrolls are delivered on time. The role focuses on managing and processing a portfolio of payroll clients, offering an excellent service and helping implement best practice initiatives with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

Key Responsibilities

Processing

• Processing the payroll data each pay period in a timely and accurate manner
• Setting up new joiners and terminating employees on the payroll software
• Importing pay data into the payroll software
• Manual calculation of pro-rated payments for joiners/leavers
• Processing statutory payments
• Calculating retrospective payments
• Setting up pay components within the payroll software to include linking for overtime payments
• Calculating the PAYE tax, NI and Apprenticeship Levy amounts payable
• Completing payroll reports, including bespoke financial reports such as general ledger reports
• Ensuring regulatory compliance i.e., RTI, Auto Enrolment and Apprentice Levy
• Creating BACS files for the payment of employees, and ensuring calendar invites are set up per annum
• Issuing payslips / P45s and P60s to employees
• Completing all necessary checklists for audit purposes
• Set up and administration of pensions information
• Executing management reports and KPI reports on the payroll process
• Providing other management information to Payroll Leadership, as required
• Identifying and implementing process improvements within the team to ensure payrolls are processed effectively and efficiently
• Participation in payroll system testing to ensure software meets legislative requirements

Reviewing

• Complete a detailed review of payrolls that have been processed by Associates to ensure 100% accuracy
• Review emails and client deliverables compiled by Associates before sending to the client
• Ensure the client mailbox is monitored, and emails are responded to and filed accurately and timely
• Provide subject matter advice and support to junior associates and clients
• Ensure all internal EY quality and risk management activities are completed on behalf of each client
• Review client contracts to understand fees, scope and contractual requirements
• Ensure payroll controls are executed and any issues are identified and resolved
• Participation in annual ISAE certification process

Handovers

• Review incoming work from transitions to ensure the team understands payroll scope and client processes
• Ensure all work is covered during annual leave with proper handovers
• Support colleagues going on leave to ensure payrolls are completed in their absence

Engagement Financials

• Review Billing Reconciliation Template with hires, leavers, number of employees and any additional agreed fees
• Review prepared bills in Mercury
• Check previous bills have been paid and are up to date
• Send Billing to clients each month
• Monitor engagements to ensure accurate recording of time, identify changes in margin and track revenue
• Provide Payroll Leadership with reporting on engagement financials

Coaching and Training

• Proactively coach and share knowledge with Associates to help them upskill
• Prepare and deliver internal training on key payroll and EY topics
• Monitor performance of Associates and address knowledge gaps with management through training
• Support Associates as the first escalation point for complex queries and escalate when required
• Provide constructive feedback to junior associates as part of quarterly feedback cycles
• Participate in EY LEAD and coaching activities

Skills And Attributes For Success

• Good knowledge and understanding of payroll compliance and best practice
• Excellent IT skills with Word, Excel and Outlook
• Good workload management and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to handle high volume of work in a fast-paced environment calmly
• Understanding of payroll compliance including AE, RTI, Apprenticeship Levy, Employment Allowance
• Understanding of financial services regulator processes such as know your customer and anti-money laundering
• Previous experience in a Big 4 firm payroll bureau is desirable
• Experience in iTrent is preferred

To qualify for the role, you must have

• 3 years of end-to-end payroll processing experience and knowledge
• Experience with Iris payroll software
• CIPP or alternative payroll qualification desirable but not essential
• Experience in payroll implementation or service delivery

What We Look For

• A self-motivated team player with excellent communication and presentation skills
• Critical thinking – ability to work independently to solve problems
• Flexibility to meet the demands of the position
• Proactive coaching and knowledge sharing
• Improvement-minded individuals

What Working At EY Offers

We offer a competitive remuneration package with a comprehensive Total Rewards package including flexible working options, holidays, health and well-being, insurance, savings and discounts. Benefits include:

• Support, coaching and feedback from Engaging colleagues
• Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
• Flexibility to handle your role in a way that’s right for you

About EY

As a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, EY aims to build a better working world. If you meet the criteria, apply now and join us.