Payroll Specialist

Role overview

Gallagher is looking for an experienced payroll professional to join its Payroll Team in Chelmsford. The position focuses on accurate monthly payroll processing, maintaining payroll records and ledgers, preparing HMRC year-end submissions, and applying approved salary updates for employees. The role is structured as hybrid working, with time split between the Chelmsford city-centre office and remote work after initial training.

About Gallagher

Gallagher supports organisations in managing risk so they can grow with confidence. The company promotes a people-focused culture built on integrity, teamwork, curiosity, and ownership, with an emphasis on doing the right thing and creating meaningful impact for clients and communities.

Key duties

• Support the monthly payroll cycle, ensuring payments and payslips are processed accurately and on time through Oracle.
• Maintain the salaries control ledger and related payroll records with care and accuracy.
• Reconcile income tax and National Insurance balances each month for HR review before HMRC payment submission.
• Manage staff season ticket deductions and help keep the associated monthly ledger up to date.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities and HMRC reporting.
• Prepare annual P11D forms and provide copies to the relevant employees.
• Respond to telephone queries and direct issues to the right colleague when they are outside your own scope.
• Work with internal teams such as Accounts and IT as needed.
• Stay current on payroll and taxation changes that may affect remuneration processing.
• Keep payroll files organised and ensure employee and third-party communication is properly documented in line with internal standards.
• Use sound judgment when reviewing payroll information and escalate where appropriate.
• Follow Sarbanes Oxley compliance requirements and internal procedures in all payroll activities.
• Support employees with payroll-related questions and provide clarification where needed.
• Contribute to other areas of the business when required.
• Follow company policies, legal obligations, governance standards, and Gallagher’s shared values, and take corrective action where shortcomings are identified.

Candidate profile

This role suits someone with solid payroll knowledge who can manage deadlines, work accurately under pressure, and communicate confidently with employees and colleagues. Strong IT ability, especially with MS Word, MS Excel, and Oracle payroll/HR systems, is important.

Required experience and knowledge

• Strong understanding of payroll processes.
• Hands-on experience with Oracle Payroll and/or Oracle HR systems.
• Knowledge of banking methods and basic accounting principles.
• Ability to organise work effectively and meet deadlines.
• Comfort working under pressure and independently.
• Good relationship-building skills with internal and external contacts.
• Clear written communication, including letters and related correspondence.
• Confident telephone manner.
• Accurate data entry skills.
• Proficiency with MS Word, MS Excel, and Oracle payroll/HR software.
• Eligibility to work in the UK.

Benefits

• At least 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional days.
• Defined contribution pension plan with employer contributions.
• Life cover equal to 4 times basic annual salary, with the option to increase it up to 10 times.
• Income protection covering up to 50% of annual income, with top-up options available.
• Health cash plan or private medical insurance.
• Three fully paid volunteering days each year.
• Employee stock purchase plan with discounted company shares.
• HMRC-approved share incentive plan.
• Critical illness cover.
• Discounted gym membership across a large national network.
• Season ticket loan.
• Discount portal for savings on everyday shopping and larger purchases.
• Emergency back-up family care.
• Additional benefits may be available.

Inclusion and equal opportunity

Gallagher states that inclusion and diversity are central to its business and that it supports a fair, accessible recruitment process. The company identifies as Disability Confident Committed and offers reasonable adjustments for applicants who need them. Its employing entity, Arthur J. Gallagher Services (UK) Limited, is a Living Wage employer and provides equal employment opportunity regardless of protected characteristics, with accommodations made for qualified individuals with disabilities unless this would create undue hardship.

Additional information

The job is based in Chelmsford, England, United Kingdom. The company notes that initial training must be completed before remote working begins. Applicants who need recruitment adjustments are asked to contact TAGlobalSupport@ajg.com or request a callback.