Payroll Officer

The role:

We have an exciting opportunity for a Payroll Officer to join our Finance Department here at Simmons & Simmons on a 12 month fixed-term contract. This maternity cover role is responsible for dealing with all aspects of the firms’ payrolls, to include the accurate and timely payments for the U.K., Ireland and Luxembourg.

The role is responsible for ensuring that the payroll function adheres to all current legislation and operates in such a way as to eliminate any areas of risk for the firm and is fully compliant with all policies and procedures and acknowledged best practice.

We will consider both full-time and part-time candidates for this position. Please disclose your preference in your application.

What will you do:

• Preparing, inputting and processing accurate data using ADP payroll software, including starters, leavers, employee changes.
• Processing statutory payments and deductions.
• Ensuring correct levels of authority have been obtained prior to salary and benefit amendments.
• Providing third party payroll provider with relevant payroll information for non-UK payrolls.
• Responsible for the reconciliation of each payroll prior to BACS payments being authorised.
• Responsible for the monthly uploads of pension data to the provider.
• Liaising with benefit providers as required – Childcare Vouchers/Cycle to Work.
• Responsible for the accurate and timely posting of monthly journals into the financial systems.
• Responsible for assisting to ensure that monthly statutory payments are accurate and paid within HMRC deadlines. Ensuring compliance with Real Time regulatory requirements.
• Responsible for assisting in the monthly reconciliation of the following general ledger accounts: payroll control accounts, season ticket loans, staff loans and trainee loans.
• Assisting with all year end processes to include P11D production.
• Liaising with HR on all payroll related queries, providing reports when required.
• Ensuring employees are informed of monthly cut-off dates and any other necessary and relevant payroll information. First point of contact for all payroll queries.

What we are looking for:

• Minimum of 2 years experience in a payroll environment, preferably Financial Services.
• To be able to demonstrate the application of best practice.
• To be able to demonstrate experience of building successful relationships.
• Intermediate Excel skills.
• Very good working use of Microsoft office.
• Ability to advise on functionality and system transactions (ADP iHCM Payroll Software knowledge an advantage).
• Ability to advise the business on and ensuring compliance with HMRC and GAAP.
• Hands on individual who is pro-active and motivated.
• Service orientated.
• Able to prioritise workload to meet daily, weekly, monthly and annual deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to communicate effectively by adapting style of written and oral communication appropriately.
• Confident and professional approach.
• A team player who works collaboratively with others to provide quality support to the department and the firm.

Here at Simmons & Simmons:

Simmons & Simmons is a place where dynamic minds thrive. Our culture is built on work that matters, you will work on inspirational and thought-provoking projects, using your influence to create positive impact for our clients, society and the planet. We also ensure that everyone’s voice is heard from day one, irrespective of job title, qualification, or background. You’ll be encouraged to have an enquiring mind and share ideas that can drive the firm forward. Through innovative learning and development opportunities, you will be provided with a platform to excel, enabling you to exceed your career ambitions and do things you never thought were possible.

Some key information:

• We offer a competitive package including bonuses dependant on role/level, private medical insurance and pension contribution.
• Our global skills academy provides our people, regardless of their role and location, with excellent learning opportunities (including live workshops, podcasts, short videos and practical learning experiences).
• We have adopted a hybrid working approach with a requirement for a minimum of three days in the office with flexibility dependant on role/team/client demands.
• We bring together the best legal advice from our established legal teams with non-traditional capabilities via Simmons & Simmons Solutions that enhance, expand and differentiate the Simmons offering.
• We are proud to rank as a Stonewall Top Global Employer and a Top 75 Employer for Social Mobility.
• We have a range of social and sports committees, summer and winter parties and monthly get togethers.
• We have a range of diversity networks to connect people and celebrate our differences which is integral to our inclusive culture.
• All UK offices have their own artwork collections – including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin pieces in the London office. We have a long-standing history in supporting the art community especially up-and-coming artists.
• We have recently introduced a Strategic Advisory Council which is a mix of associates and business services who will propose strategic initiatives that align with our firm's mission and support the delivery of our Business Plan, shaping the future of our next-generation law firm.

Equal opportunities:

We are committed to fostering equality, diversity and inclusion within our firm and to ensuring equal employment opportunities. We believe that this commitment creates a vibrant and rewarding work environment. We are therefore committed to:

• Upholding equal opportunities, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, belief, age, disability, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, gender identity, marital status, or pregnancy, including maternity and paternity. This commitment extends to addressing any instances of perceived or associative discrimination and harassment. We also ensure fair treatment during recruitment and selection processes for those who are serving or have served in the armed forces, along with their families.
• Accommodating requests for flexible working arrangements whenever possible. We encourage you to discuss your needs with us if this is something you require.
• Making our roles accessible to individuals with diverse abilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know so we can meet your needs.
• We offer a range of employee networks to support our colleagues. More information about these networks can be found in the D&I Information booklet that candidates are sent when invited to interview.

We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every single requirement. We are looking for individuals who are passionate and eager to learn and grow with us. Your unique experiences and perspectives could be a great addition to our team.

If you’re interested in finding out more about this position, please contact the Recruitment Team . To apply for the role, click on the link at the bottom of the page or visit our career page for more details.