Senior Payroll Specialist (Blanchardstown)

Senior Payroll Specialist (12-Month Fixed Term Contract)

Salary: €60,000 - €65,000
Location: Blanchardstown

Hybrid Working: 2 days/3 days onsite

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Payroll Specialist to join a purpose-driven organisation on a fixed-term basis to provide maternity leave cover. This is a standalone role within a collaborative HR department function and would suit an individual who enjoys taking ownership, working autonomously, and driving continuous improvement.

This payroll function is outsourced to third party providers with the desired to bring in-house over time. As the in-house payroll expert, you will be responsible for delivering accurate and compliant payroll services across multiple employee groups while supporting the organisation's commitment to operational excellence. This position offers the chance to make a genuine impact by reviewing current processes, identifying efficiencies, and contributing to the future direction of payroll operations.

The Role

You will take full responsibility for the end-to-end management of several payrolls, support outsource payroll to third party providers, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time. Working closely with Finance and HR colleagues, you will oversee payroll administration, pension processes, and compliance requirements, while acting as the key point of contact for payroll-related enquiries.

This role extends beyond day-to-day processing. The organisation is seeking someone who can evaluate existing practices, recommend improvements, and contribute to longer-term payroll strategy, including assessing opportunities to bring outsourced payroll activities back in-house in the future.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing across multiple employee groups.
• Ensure payroll data is accurate, complete, and submitted within agreed deadlines.
• Administer employee leave, payroll adjustments, statutory payments, deductions, and benefits.
• Oversee pension administration, including auto-enrolment compliance and reporting requirements.
• Maintain payroll records and ensure adherence to relevant legislation and company policies.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders and external providers to resolve payroll queries and issues efficiently.
• Produce payroll reports and support audit and compliance activities as required.
• Review existing payroll workflows and identify opportunities for automation, efficiency, and process enhancement.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on payroll matters to managers and employees.
• Support potential future payroll transformation projects and process redesign initiatives.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will be a confident payroll professional with the ability to work independently and manage a busy payroll function with minimal supervision. You will bring strong technical expertise, exceptional attention to detail, and a proactive mindset focused on continuous improvement.

Essential Skills & Experience

• IPASS (required)
• Significant experience managing end-to-end payroll processes.
• Strong understanding of payroll legislation, compliance requirements, and pension administration.
• Experience handling complex payroll calculations and high-volume payroll data.
• Advanced Excel and spreadsheet management skills.
• Ability to analyse existing processes and implement practical improvements.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach with strong attention to detail.

Desirable

• Experience working with both permanent and casual/temporary workforce payrolls.
• Exposure to outsourced payroll relationships or payroll transition projects.
• Previous experience operating as a standalone payroll professional.
• Previous In-house payroll experience (highly desirable).

What You'll Find Here

You'll be joining a close-knit People & Culture team that values collaboration, transparency, and trust. The organisation offers a fast-paced environment where employees are passionate about making a difference and are encouraged to challenge existing ways of working. Continuous improvement is at the heart of the culture, making this an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys contributing ideas and driving positive change.

Additional Information / Perks

• Company tickets (X2 per annum) to sporting events
• Pension 3% EE / 4% ER contribution
• Life Assurance
• Bike to work scheme
• Birtday leave
• Hybrid working model.
• Full-time, 39-hour working week.
• Salary: €60,000 - €65,000.