Payroll Controller

About Sisk

Sisk is a family-run international construction and engineering business delivering places and infrastructure that help communities live, work and connect now and into the future. The company operates across building, infrastructure, rail, energy and off-site manufacturing in Ireland, the UK and Europe, with a focus on meaningful work, professional growth and positive impact.

Role Overview

In this position, you will be responsible for helping deliver payroll services that are accurate, compliant and efficient across the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and selected European locations. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, you will act as a senior payroll specialist, own key payroll tasks, review outputs, handle complex issues and contribute to ongoing improvements in payroll systems, controls and processes.

Payroll Operations

• Ensure weekly and monthly payrolls are processed accurately and on time for the UK, ROI and Europe.
• Check payroll inputs, calculations and final outputs to confirm they are correct and compliant.
• Verify payroll changes such as new joiners, exits, pay revisions, bonuses, overtime and statutory payments.
• Support monthly payroll reconciliations and related reporting.
• Help with payroll approvals and control checks before payment is released.
• Provide support during peak payroll periods so service standards remain on track.

Compliance, Governance and Audit

• Make sure payroll activity follows applicable UK, Irish and European legislation.
• Support statutory deductions, pension processing and regulatory reporting requirements.
• Keep payroll knowledge current by staying up to date with legislation and good practice.
• Assist with both internal and external payroll audits.
• Protect employee data by following GDPR requirements and maintaining strict confidentiality.
• Help implement and monitor payroll controls, procedures and governance standards.

Stakeholder Support

• Act as a point of escalation for difficult payroll and benefits queries.
• Develop effective working relationships with HR, Finance, IT and external payroll vendors.
• Support management reporting needs and provide payroll insights when required.
• Resolve employee and stakeholder queries in a professional and efficient manner.

Systems and Continuous Improvement

• Keep payroll records and employee data accurate across payroll platforms.
• Support payroll projects, software upgrades, implementations and process enhancements.
• Look for ways to improve payroll efficiency, controls and the employee experience.
• Help drive successful adoption of new payroll tools and working methods.

Experience and Qualifications

This role involves substantial responsibility for payroll processing across the UK, EU and ROI. It requires solid end-to-end payroll experience in a medium to large organisation, along with exposure to supporting or supervising other payroll team members. A strong grasp of payroll legislation, statutory obligations and compliance is essential, as is experience managing multiple payroll cycles in a high-volume environment. Experience with payroll projects, system implementations or process improvement work is preferred. Familiarity with Coins Payroll or a similar payroll system is also desirable. An IPASS, CIPP or equivalent payroll qualification is required, and strong Microsoft Excel skills plus payroll systems experience are important. Additional finance, payroll or business qualifications would be an advantage.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• 26 days of annual leave.
• Pension scheme.
• Broad health, wellbeing and lifestyle support.
• Career development opportunities.
• Additional benefits through the Total Rewards programme.

Recruitment and Employment Commitment

All vacancies are handled directly by the internal recruitment team. Unsolicited CVs and speculative approaches from unapproved agencies are not accepted, and no fees will be paid.

Equality, Inclusion and Accessibility

The company is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion and family status, as well as any other protected characteristic. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process for candidates who need support.

Encouragement to Apply

Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every requirement, as skills, experience and potential are all valued.

Compliance and Transparency

Recruitment materials are prepared to meet or exceed legal and regulatory requirements, including the Irish and UK Equality Acts and the EU Pay Transparency Directive, to support fairness, transparency and equal access for every applicant.