Senior Payroll Specialist

Role: Senior Payroll Lead – 2 Month Contract Location: London, Greater London Job Type: Temporary – 2 Month Contract Pay: £475 - £550 Per Day Umbrella Rate Role Purpose Morson are partnering exclusively with a global business to with offices across the UK in their search for a Senior Payroll Lead. This role will be a short-term contract to support the Payroll Function as well as the wider Finance Function. You’ll play a critical role in the continued automation and enhancement of payroll processes, ensuring strong data quality controls and effective use of analytics. This position will lead digital transformation initiatives, manage end-to-end operational delivery, and foster strong partnerships with both internal stakeholders and the external managed service provider. Key Responsibilities of the Senior Payroll Lead: • Oversee end-to-end payroll for around 6,000 employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery. • Act as the main escalation point for complex payroll queries, providing expert guidance and resolution. • Track and improve payroll performance using KPIs and data analysis. • Drive automation and process improvements through digital solutions and system enhancements. • Work closely with the managed service provider to optimise processes and maintain data quality. • Lead, develop, and support payroll team members. • Collaborate with HR, Finance, Pensions, and Compliance to streamline payroll-related processes. • Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, data security standards, and company policies. • Support wider people programs, including Talent, Reward, and Diversity & Inclusion initiatives. • Build strong relationships with employees, managers, and payroll partners. What we are looking for: • 10+ years’ payroll experience, ideally in a managed service or outsourcing environment. • Strong knowledge of UK payroll processes, legislation, and compliance. • Experience in large, complex organisations, preferably within shared services. • Skilled in Oracle HCM (or similar systems) and advanced Excel. • Proven leadership and stakeholder management abilities. • Analytical, detail-focused, and solutions-driven. • Able to work independently and in fast-paced, collaborative environments. • Professional payroll qualification (e.g., CIPP) an advantage. If you’re looking to bring your technical accounting expertise into a business with exciting growth ambitions and a supportive, collaborative culture, this could be your ideal next move. To be considered for this fantastic opportunity, you must APPLY NOW, making sure to attach your up-to-date CV. • Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial telephone interview. If selected from the shortlist, a formal interview process will then begin.