Hays
Payroll & HR Specialist

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Payroll & HR Specialist
Full Time and Permanent
Weston-super-Mare
£45-50,000 per annum plus discretionary bonus
Let's be honest: Most payroll jobs promise "variety" but end up being little more than processing pay runs and dealing with the occasional query. This one is different.........I'm recruiting a newly created position for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys ownership, thrives on accuracy, and genuinely wants to influence how things are done.
You'll take the lead on payroll operations across multiple business entities, each with their own payroll schedules, employee populations, and complexities. From payroll validation and reconciliations to maternity calculations, sickness calculations, reporting, and process improvements, you'll be the person ensuring everything lands exactly as it should.
Right first time. Every time.
If you're the sort of payroll professional who spots the £17 discrepancy before anyone else notices, we'll probably get along!
What makes this opportunity particularly interesting is the wider exposure it offers. Alongside the payroll remit, you'll have the opportunity to become involved in the wider people function, giving you exposure to projects, process improvements, and operational activities that many payroll roles simply don't offer.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
This isn't just about processing payroll. It's about ownership. It's about credibility. It's about becoming the go-to person that managers and employees trust when they need things done properly.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Managing payroll activities across multiple entities
- Validating payroll data, checking accuracy, and resolving discrepancies
- Calculating statutory payments including maternity and sickness
- Producing payroll reports and analysing people data
- Working extensively with Excel and large datasets
- Supporting employee life cycle administration and documentation
- Enhancing processes, systems, and ways of working
- Contributing to the rollout and development of a new people system
- Building trusted relationships across the business
What We're Looking For:
You'll already be an experienced payroll professional who understands that payroll isn't just about numbers; it's about delivering an exceptional service to every employee who trusts you to get their pay right.


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You'll likely bring:
- End-to-end payroll experience
- Strong payroll checking and validation skills
- Advanced Excel capability
- Experience managing multiple payrolls, companies, or entities
- Confidence with payroll systems and HR platforms
- A proactive approach and continuous improvement mindset
- The ability to work independently and take ownership
Experience supporting HR administration would be advantageous, but first and foremost, this is a payroll-focused opportunity.
Why It's Worth a Look
- £45,000 - £50,000 salary
- Discretionary bonus
- Hybrid working pattern
- Private family healthcare
- A raft of wellbeing benefits
- A genuinely visible role where your work makes a difference
For a confidential discussion, get in touch...... call Em Lewis on 01792 642 042. Apply online with your CV.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk.
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