Payroll Advisor

Role overview

QBE Insurance is seeking a Payroll Advisor in Leeds for a fixed-term assignment running through the end of 2026. This position offers a hybrid working pattern and combines day-to-day payroll delivery with process improvement work and project support across international teams.

About the opportunity

In this role, you will be a main contact for employees on payroll matters, delivering prompt and reliable support. You will help ensure monthly payrolls for the UK and Dubai are processed accurately and on time through an outsourced provider, while maintaining compliance with statutory and internal control requirements. The role also involves supporting wider People initiatives, partnering with European colleagues, and using payroll expertise to improve efficiency, strengthen controls, and enhance the employee experience.

Key duties

• Assist with monthly outsourced payroll operations for the UK and Dubai, making sure calculations, deadlines, legislation, and audit controls are all met.
• Help administer employee benefits such as salary sacrifice plans and pension arrangements.
• Work with People Centres of Excellence to identify and deliver changes that streamline processes and lower operational risk.
• Offer employees clear payroll advice on PAYE, statutory entitlements, pay and benefits, pensions, and payroll policies.
• Support HR and wider business projects by contributing payroll knowledge and technical input.
• Take part in month-end and year-end tasks, including reporting, reconciliations, data preparation, and management of third-party deductions.
• Keep payroll knowledge current through ongoing learning and professional development.

Candidate profile

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. Sponsorship may be considered at QBE’s discretion.

The ideal candidate will have experience in UK payroll, either in an outsourced environment or an in-house setting, including statutory compliance, month-end and year-end processing, data checking, benefits administration, and third-party deductions. Strong customer focus, confident communication, and the ability to build productive relationships with payroll vendors, HR, reward teams, and managers are important. You should be comfortable juggling priorities, meeting strict payroll deadlines, and working within a structured monthly cycle. A proactive mindset toward improvement is also expected, along with experience using payroll/HR systems such as ADP or Workday and advanced Excel skills for analysis, reconciliation, and interpretation of payroll data. An interest in technology and AI-driven ways of working is also valued.

Benefits

• 30 days of annual leave, with the option to purchase up to 2 extra days.
• Flexible working arrangements, including part-time, job share, and compressed hours options.
• Automatic pension enrolment with employer contributions of 10% of basic salary.
• Fully comprehensive private medical insurance for you and your family.
• Family-friendly leave policy offering 26 weeks of full pay regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or path to parenthood.
• Up to 20 days each year to work remotely from approved locations abroad.
• Cycle-to-Work scheme with access to bikes and accessories up to £5,000.
• Access to a broader benefits package and other choices to suit individual needs.

Recognition and employer information

QBE is an international insurer with more than 13,000 employees across 26 countries. The business aims to be a consistent and innovative risk partner, and it values a workplace culture built around empathy, capability, and kindness. The company has also received recent industry recognition, including wins at the Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025 and a 5-Star Employee rating in 2023.

Application information

The application deadline is 18 June 2026 at 11:59 PM. The employer is an equal opportunity organisation and follows the employment legislation required in each jurisdiction where it operates.