Overview

Senior Payroll Associate role at EY. This position supports the UK Payroll Operate in Newcastle Upon Tyne, Manchester or Belfast. The successful candidate will be responsible for the successful payroll implementation or delivery of payroll services for new and existing clients, ensuring on-time delivery, managing stakeholders, reporting on internal EY metrics, and building positive relationships across the firm.

Responsibilities

• 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, including linking for overtime payments
• Calculating 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 payment of employees and setting up annual calendar invites
• Issuing payslips, P45s and P60s to employees
• Completing all necessary checklists for audit purposes
• Setting up and administering 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
• Participating in payroll system testing to ensure software meets legislative requirements

Reviewing

• Complete a detailed review of payrolls to ensure 100% accuracy
• Review emails and client deliverables before sending to the client
• Monitor client mailbox and respond to emails in a timely manner
• Provide subject matter advice and support to junior associates and clients
• Ensure internal EY quality and risk management activities are completed for each client
• Review client contracts to understand fees, scope and contractual requirements
• Ensure payroll controls are executed and issues are identified and resolved
• Participate in annual ISAE certification process

Handovers

• Review incoming work from transitions to ensure understanding of payroll scope and client processes
• Ensure all work is covered during annual leave with proper handovers
• Assist colleagues returning from leave to ensure payrolls are completed during absences

Engagement Financials

• Review Billing Reconciliation Template with hires, leavers and headcount
• Review prepared bills in Mercury
• Verify previous bills are paid and up to date
• Send monthly billing to clients
• Monitor engagements for accurate time recording, margin changes and revenue tracking
• Provide Payroll Leadership with engagement financial reporting

Coaching and Training

• Coach and share knowledge with Associates to upskill
• Prepare and deliver internal training on key payroll topics
• Monitor performance of Associates and address knowledge gaps through training
• Support Associates as first escalation point for complex queries
• Provide constructive feedback to junior associates in quarterly cycles
• Participate in EY LEAD and coaching activities

Skills And Attributes

• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance and best practices
• Excellent IT skills with Word, Excel and Outlook
• Good workload management and ability to meet deadlines
• Ability to handle high volumes in a fast-paced environment
• Understanding of AE, RTI, Apprenticeship Levy and Employment Allowance
• Understanding of regulatory processes (KYC and AML)
• Experience in a Big 4 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
• 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

• Competitive remuneration with rewards for individual and team performance
• Comprehensive Total Rewards package including flexible working and career development
• FlexEY benefits covering holidays, health, insurance, savings and more
• Support, coaching and feedback from engaging colleagues
• Opportunities to develop new skills and progress your career
• Freedom and flexibility to handle your role in a way that suits you

About EY

EY is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services, committed to building a better working world by providing training, opportunities and creative freedom. The EY experience lasts a lifetime.