Description:
As XOCEAN continues to grow globally, we are seeking a highly capable and detail-oriented Senior Payroll Specialist to lead our payroll operations. This is a newly created role offering the opportunity to take ownership of global payroll processes across multiple jurisdictions. The successful candidate will join our Finance team and work closely with the People team to ensure accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll delivery.
While the focus of this role is on payroll processing and compliance, it also offers the opportunity to become involved in compensation and benefits activities over time, supporting your professional growth as part of an expanding team.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
- Ensure timely and accurate completion of payroll and payments to employees and contractors across international locations, including payroll reporting.
- Manage external payroll providers to ensure compliance with local tax and labour regulations across regions including Ireland, the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.
- Use payroll software and internal systems to manage payroll workflows efficiently.
- Administer statutory payments such as maternity, paternity, sick leave, and holiday pay in accordance with local legislation.
- Coordinate payroll deductions for employee benefits such as pension contributions, health insurance, Tax Saver schemes, and Bike to Work.
- Maintain payroll data accuracy and integrity across all jurisdictions.
- Own and manage the master payroll file, ensuring timely updates for new hires, leavers, and employee changes.
- Collaborate with the People team and Finance to resolve queries and improve processes.
- Prepare monthly payroll journals, reconciliations, and reports for internal stakeholders.
- Support implementation of a consolidated, automated payroll system with the Business Process Improvement team.
- Act as the primary point of contact for all payroll-related queries from employees, colleagues and external stakeholders.
- Assist with R&D tax credit calculations and employee grant-related processes.
Key Skills and Attributes
- Strong attention to detail and high level of accuracy.
- Advanced Excel and numeracy skills.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
- Proven ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive data.
- Comfortable working cross-functionally with the People team (HR), Finance, and external vendors.
- Proactive problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet tight deadlines.
- Understanding of GDPR and data privacy requirements related to payroll.
Essential Experience
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in payroll role.
- Experience within a finance or accounts environment.
- Experience managing payroll across multiple jurisdictions (e.g., Ireland, UK, USA, Canada, Australia).
- Proficiency in payroll systems and HRIS platforms (e.g., ADP, NetSuite, or similar).
- Experience managing statutory deductions and regulatory compliance.
- Recognised payroll/finance qualification (e.g., IPASS, CIPP, or equivalent).