This role is responsible for delivering timely analysis, reconciliations, and commentary on payroll and benefits accounts, ensuring alignment between payroll and HR systems and managing vendor relationships.

It will safeguard the accuracy and compliance of payroll and benefit-related financial reporting across EIMEA, covering share-based payments, bonus and vacation accruals, in line with GAAP and global accounting policies. The position will lead compensation and benefits audits, oversee company benefit schemes, and enhance processes to ensure adherence to SOX requirements, best accounting practices, and improved operational efficiency.

General Ledger Accounting – Payroll and Benefits

Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual payroll and benefit accounting entries, analytical reviews, and associated reporting. Is responsible for:

• Monthly payroll and benefit general ledger accounting, including intercompany recharges, global employee accounting, share-based payments, PSA, vacation accruals, and bonus accruals.
• Calculating journals with appropriate supporting evidence for review by finance managers and external auditors.
• Liaising with USA Corporate and employment-related providers to obtain timely and accurate data for accounting purposes.
• Owning the payroll caption for all postings and analysis across EIMEA.
• Managing payroll month-end close procedures, including compiling reports, tracking, and analyses.
• Maintaining balance sheet reconciliations for relevant captions, ensuring best practice and audit readiness.
• Reviewing and analysing P&L fluctuations for payroll, payroll tax, and other employee cost captions.
• Performing Peer-to-Peer (P2P) reviews of journals, ensuring accurate postings and sufficient evidence.
• Providing meaningful analysis of financial statement captions and explaining key drivers to Finance Leadership.
• Participating in monthly close calls and taking ownership of action points.
• Developing and improving internal controls related to payroll and benefits; acting as SOX control owner.
• Leading quarterly reviews and annual audits with external auditors for payroll and benefits.
• Troubleshooting obstacles to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Building relationships with local teams to ensure successful month-end processes.
• Providing coaching and guidance to finance team members and branch support services.
• Offering cover and support to other team members where necessary.

Payroll Accounting

Responsible for all aspects of payroll for the UK and other EIMEA entities. Duties include:

• Developing and maintaining payroll policies and procedures.
• Preparing and processing monthly payrolls accurately and timely using external providers.
• Calculating and posting gross/net earnings, bonuses, stock option exercises, tax withholdings, deductions, allowances, and accruals.
• Preparing monthly payroll reports for authorisation by Finance Leadership.
• Managing starters, leavers, and compensation changes, including audits.
• Responding to employee and external agency inquiries and audit requests.
• Ensuring data accuracy and reporting efficiencies between systems.
• Managing DC pension contributions and participating in the Pension Governance Committee.
• Acting as first-line contact for payroll matters and managing vendor relationships.

Planning and Analysis

Coordinating and preparing EIMEA payroll and headcount budgets as part of annual planning.

• Preparing monthly payroll forecasts and validating eligible earnings for bonus accruals.
• Producing monthly reporting packages for business leaders and reporting to US Corporate Finance.

Process Improvement & Finance Projects

• Supporting implementation of global accounting policy changes and ad-hoc projects.
• Designing and implementing best practice improvements and monitoring success.
• Assisting with IT initiatives and working with the Finance Innovation Team on process improvements.
• Managing ad-hoc finance projects and supporting Tax and Treasury Manager on mobility and expansion projects.

Compliance, Reporting and Tax

• Preparing and submitting ERS, PSA calculations, and HMRC reporting.
• Managing annual P11d process and Class 1A submissions.
• Ensuring timely payroll and benefit-related tax payments.

Alignment with Local Branches

• Collaborating with local teams to ensure timely completion of management accounts.
• Providing accounting guidance and improving data quality and templates.
• Arranging regular meetings with branches to embed accounting policies.

Employee Benefits

• Managing benefits in kind (medical, dental, cars, fuel cards) and coordinating renewals.
• Overseeing company car fleet and salary sacrifice schemes.
• Preparing eligible earnings for growth reward programmes and managing annual pay increase processes.

Employee Mobility

• Managing transfer pricing adjustments and tax neutralisation for multi-jurisdiction payroll.
• Tracking days abroad to ensure compliance with international tax obligations.

Compliance and Risk

• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of payroll tax legislation and compliance requirements.
• Collaborating with Tax and Legal teams on new permanent establishments and payroll setup.
• Conducting risk assessments and recommending mitigation strategies.
• Reviewing employment-related policies for compliance and best practice.

Consultant Management

• Managing payroll providers and tax advisors to ensure alignment with service requirements.
• Building strong relationships with tax advisors and authorities across EIMEA.

• Qualified/ Part qualified ACA/ACCA/CIMA or equivalent experience. 
• Strong previous general ledger, month end close, accounting analysis and reconciliations experience. 
• Either previous experience or an interest in Payroll and benefits accounting. 
• A strong collaborator, an eye for detail and an interest in improving process.