Trowers & Hamlins is a City-led, international and national law firm with over 130 partners and 830 staff. With offices across the UK, Middle East and Far East, we provide a full-service integrated offering.

Our clients operate in diverse industry sectors such as construction, transport and infrastructure, banking and financial services, distribution and logistics, education and health, hotels and leisure, defence, engineering and surveying, charities, retail and energy and natural resources. We also act for many high net worth individuals.

We are different and we believe it is our people that make us unique. We expect and respect that you and your talents are too. The truth is we don't prescribe who you are or how you ought to be. It's what you can do that interests us most.

While the work on offer is rewarding and often complex, the qualities we look for are simple. The ability to get on with people from all walks of life, for example. To talk and to listen. To develop the sorts of relationships that mean you win the friendship and loyalty of clients and colleagues alike. In short, to connect. These are the characteristics our people all have in common. They are vital, as is the drive and imagination to use your unique talents to the full. We will help you in this. In fact, we will support you in every way we can.

Job description

The payroll team is based in London and forms part of the Finance Department.  The team is made up of two individuals – the Payroll Administrator (who is part time) and the incoming successful candidate.  Payroll are responsible for managing the Firm's payroll operations; ensuring all payrolls are completed accurately and on time, submitting payments and reports to HMRC and pension providers and providing information to the relevant departments and individuals within the Firm. The Senior Payroll Administrator will be working together with the Payroll Administrator; however, the individual will also be responsible for managing and leading any payroll projects.

Principal responsibilities:

• Supply data in agreed format to ADP Freedom by the agreed payroll deadlines including:
  • Cascade and Thomsons (HR systems) data extracts to be checked for completeness and accuracy and uploaded
  • Inputting variable data such as absence and overtime into ADP Freedom
  • Liaise as appropriate with overseas payroll administrators regarding Class 1 NIC payable by new starters overseas and staff transferring to overseas offices. 
  • Process separate payroll for Class 1 NIC payable.
  • Arranging for payment of vacation students and exchange students on an annual basis
  • Correcting errors
• Implement and operate overseas payrolls for offices outside of the UK using ADP Streamline or other software.
• Process annual payrolls for short term business visitors using HMRC Basic PAYE Tools
• Check payrolls for accuracy prior to commitment and post commitment and obtain HR Director approval
• Maintain schedules showing element of trainees' salaries paid locally in Oman and UAE and overseas cash benefits and liaise with overseas offices regarding tax and NIC payable
• Prepare manual payments when required and agree deductions with ADP
• Liaise with HR, ADP and HMRC on RTI and auto enrolment
• Complete BACS reconciliations. Inform ADP promptly on finding any errors.
• Download payroll to the general ledger and create payroll accounting journals for posting
• Reconcile payroll payments and deductions to general ledger accounts
• Act as Self Service administrator providing guidance to all employees and managing their secure online access to payslips, P60s
• Actively respond to queries from ADP, partners, employees, HR and HMRC
• Coordinate communication between firm, employees, ADP, HMRC and other third parties
• Distribute information and updates to the wider firm
• Ensure that payroll files are kept and maintained in conjunction with Firm, statutory and regulatory requirements
• Prepare and maintain the payroll procedures manual which summarises payroll policy and rules
• Provide information, reports and data for HR and Finance in line with the Firm's policy and data protection legislation
• Manage and lead payroll projects
• Assist with HMRC employer compliance reviews
• Assist with external audits
• Keep up to date with relevant legislation, industry changes and best practice
• Ad hoc projects, which are wide ranging given the small size of the team

The list of duties is not exhaustive and is intended to provide a general idea of the main duties of the job. As such the role may also include undertaking additional tasks as required.

Person specification:

Experience:

• Ability to prioritise work effectively and meet deadlines
• Strong attention to detail with a methodical and logical approach
• Able to process large volumes of data quickly and accurately
• Good communication skills both oral and written
• A strong team player
• A positive and proactive attitude
• An ability to operate autonomously
• Flexibility and commitment
• High levels of confidentiality, discretion and diplomacy
• Previous experience as a payroll administrator, preferably within professional services 
• Solid and current knowledge of pension auto-enrolment and pension administration, SSP, SMP & SPP
• Excellent knowledge of ADP Freedom payroll system, ADP Streamline and HMRC Basic PAYE Tools
• Experience using HR software Cascade
• Basic understanding of accounting principles and application to payroll
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Excel
• Demonstrable project management experience

Additional Information

As part of our firm recruitment policy our candidates are subject to employment screening background checks. These checks include personal details, education and employment history, professional qualifications and credit and criminal checks as appropriate.

Trowers & Hamlins is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from every sector of the community. All applications will only be considered on merit and the applicant's suitability to meet the requirements of the role.