Payroll Specialist (UK)

Date posted:
Company: New Balance
Location: Warrington (England), N/A
Job Type: Full-Time

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today. At New Balance, We Got Now.

JOB MISSION:

The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for assisting and providing effective and efficient UK payroll operations for New Balance. This position will be working under the Payroll Manager, and closely with outsourced providers (OSV), to ensure compliance with UK legislation. The Payroll Specialist will manage Head Office, Factory, and Retail payroll for our UK associates.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Payroll processing

  • Responsible for end-to-end processing with colleagues, to process UK weekly, Factory (~260) and UK monthly, Head Office (~345) and UK Lunar, Retail (~170) via Workday and OSV.
  • Ensure all payrolls are processed accurately, on time, and in accordance with up-to-date payroll legislation.
  • Payroll administration: answering queries, and managing month-end tasks regarding P45 distribution, period schedules, and payslips.
  • Calculating and processing manual payroll calculations and adhoc payments.
  • Ensure payslip and NMW compliance.
  • Processing overtime, pay increases, bonuses, calculation of backpay, and all other payroll-related additions/deductions.
  • Average holiday pay calculations.
  • Ensure SSP, SMP, SPP, ShPP, and AEO etc. are all processed correctly and in line with legislation.
  • Year-end (P60’s) and Start of Year processes via Workday and OSV (UK).
  • Ensuring timely and accurate payment of taxes and pensions.
  • Assist with audit queries.
  • Support UK Government legislative returns i.e. GPG reporting, PSA return, etc.
  • Ensuring all documentation and processes are up to date.
  • Ensuring payroll checklists are maintained and completed in full each month. 
  • Understanding requirements for GDPR and maintaining records.
  • Assisting with any adhoc projects.
  • Manage workload peaks to ensure payroll cutoffs are effectively covered.
  • Working closely with colleagues to maintain a smooth payroll operation and providing cover for other team members when required.

Benefits

  • Manage Childcare Vouchers and Cycle to Work provision, and be responsible for any related queries, communication, invoicing, reporting, and processing through payroll.
  • Company Car & PMI, cash equivalent calculations and processing of such via Workday, payrolling benefits.
  • Be the key liaison contact for private healthcare, (AXA), dental care (Bupa), life assurance (Legal & General), and income protection (Unum). 
  • Accurate tracking and submissions of membership data and relative changes to payroll.

Pension Administration

  • Manage Auto Enrolment (Aviva) and compliance via the pension platform and update payroll accordingly.
  • Ensure all communications to associates are handled promptly and accurately.
  • Ensure leavers and transfers are handled effectively.
  • Prepare and submit monthly pension files accurately and on time.

Management Information & Reporting

  • Ensure 3rd party UK payments are actioned.
  • Month-end administration tasks and reporting are completed accurately and timely.

Relationships & Communication

  • Maintain relationships with all bureaus and ensure we receive effective support and customer service in line with service agreements.
  • Deliver excellent customer service to all associates regarding any pay queries.
  • Build strong, effective working relationships with Finance and HR, and the wider business.

Financials

  • Assisting with posting UK payroll journals into to the Finance ledger when required.
  • Understanding payroll accounting, and oncosts to prepare financial reporting for stakeholders.

Above all else, maintain confidentiality, at all times.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

  • Relevant number of years of experience in a Payroll position, ideally in an end-to-end process.
  • Pensions and auto-enrolment compliance experience is required.
  • Experience in dealing with payroll bureaus is essential.
  • Experience of Workday is preferable.
  • CIPP part qualified is desirable.
  • High accuracy and strong attention to detail.
  • Ability to work to tight deadlines in a busy environment.
  • Flexible to changes in a progressive business.
  • Task-driven and being a great teammate is essential.
  • Strong communication ability, both written and verbal.
  • Eager and quick learner.
  • Excellent time management and organisation of tasks and workload.
  • Advanced Excel skills (pivot tables, v-lookups) and Word is essential.

BENEFITS:

  • Discretionary Bonus Opportunity
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • Dental Scheme
  • Pension Scheme
  • Flexible Working Hours (07:00 – 10:00 start, 15:00 -18:00 finish)
  • Hybrid working (3 days on-site)
  • 25 days Annual Leave per year
  • Life Insurance
  • On Site Gym
  • Employee Discount
  • Opportunity to work abroad for four weeks per year
  • Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)

Equal Opportunity Employer:

New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment.  We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.