Payroll Senior Specialist

Role overview

A major biopharmaceutical employer in West Dublin is looking for an experienced Payroll Senior Specialist to help deliver payroll operations that are accurate, compliant, and completed on schedule across several payrolls. The role is based onsite in Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland, and sits within a collaborative payroll function supporting wider business teams.

In this position, you will work closely with payroll colleagues and key internal stakeholders to keep payroll processing aligned with legal obligations, internal controls, and company procedures. You will also have scope to support payroll initiatives, improve workflows, and help drive automation and system enhancements.

Responsibilities

• Run payrolls accurately and efficiently across multiple payroll cycles while meeting all required deadlines.
• Apply payroll laws, statutory reporting rules, and internal company policies correctly in day-to-day processing.
• Maintain strong payroll controls that support accuracy and reliable service delivery.
• Spot opportunities to streamline work, including where automation can add value.
• Assist with payroll projects, system upgrades, and ongoing improvement efforts.
• Work with HR, Finance, and other teams on payroll matters and issue resolution.
• Share workload with the wider payroll team so peak periods are covered effectively.
• Support audits by preparing payroll records and answering payroll-related questions.
• Keep payroll procedures, policies, forms, and supporting materials current.
• Handle employee changes such as onboarding, exits, pay adjustments, and other payroll updates promptly.
• Develop productive relationships with internal stakeholders while delivering dependable payroll support.
• Contribute to improving payroll operations and overall efficiency on an ongoing basis.

Requirements

• A degree or an equivalent qualification.
• A professional qualification in payroll or finance.
• At least 5 years of practical, hands-on payroll experience.
• Experience managing payroll activities across more than one country.
• Advanced Excel capability and familiarity with payroll reporting tools.
• Exposure to automation tools or newer technologies used to improve payroll processes.
• Solid understanding of payroll legislation, tax, statutory deductions, and compliance requirements.
• Experience with payroll and HR platforms such as ADP, Workday, or comparable systems.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills.

Additional information

This is a contract position and the work location is onsite. The role is focused on supporting compliant payroll delivery for a leading biopharmaceutical organisation and includes participation in process improvement and automation initiatives.