Payroll Analyst

At The Walt Disney Company, magic is more than just a word; it's a way of life. For a century, we've been inspiring imaginations, celebrating diversity, and bringing families together through our beloved stories, characters, and experiences. From our iconic theme parks and resorts to our groundbreaking films, television shows, interactive media and products, we're dedicated to creating magic that knows no bounds.

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Analyst to make a meaningful impact and be part of a dynamic team. Join us in shaping the magic behind the scenes!

Please note: This is an office-based role. 4 days working in the Hammersmith, London office with 1 day working from home (Monday or Friday).

You’ll join a team grounded in our Disney values — acting with Integrity, welcoming everyone through Inclusion, embracing boundless Creativity, working together through Collaboration and caring deeply for our Community. These values shape how we work and how we support one another every day.

As a Payroll Analyst, the successful candidate will play a key role in performing payroll processing activities in support of assigned EMEA countries. They will ensure that employees receive accurate remuneration on established pay dates, thereby ensuring the company meets its obligations. In addition, the postholder will ensure that the company meets all statutory, payroll-related obligations, including the processing of legislative deductions/payments. Support special project efforts as required. 

What You Will Do

• Ensure all fixed and variable payroll-related data (from multiple upstream data sources) is incorporated into payroll vendor processes and systems via interface and/or standard input template (i.e., new hires, leavers, time, bonuses, etc.) 

• Ensure payroll inputs (including employee data elements) are provided to the payroll vendor accurately, consistently, and ahead of established cutoff dates in the required format 

• Collaborate with representatives from third-party payroll provider and Disney internal stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate inputs to the payroll process, escalating issues to Payroll leadership when necessary 

• Gather payroll information (i.e., data, process flows, policies, etc.) from in-scope legal entities to facilitate payroll knowledge transfer to the EMEA Payroll Hub 

• Ensure all required historical data is maintained in accordance with local laws 

• Process all tax-related input and ensure that all statutory and tax forms are processed accurately and timely 

• Review and approve completeness and accuracy of vendor payroll calculation outputs 

• Manage and align local calendars and deadlines with stakeholders and payroll vendor 

• Approve monthly, quarterly, annual and other periodicity reports to the management of the company, local authorities and other recipients; provide client ad hoc reporting support, as necessary 

• Review, upload and approve banking files for salary and third-party statutory payments 

• Review, approve and upload monthly payroll general ledger journal entry to SAP 

• Resolve all assigned payroll-related queries from employees and legal entity stakeholders in a professional and timely manner, escalating as necessary 

• Resolve legal entity concerns about the payroll process provided by the payroll provider 

• Perform and validate manual calculations for partial pay period or retroactive payments, where applicable 

• Calculate manual / out-of-cycle payments where required, ensuring that the payment is correctly accounted for in the next regular pay period 

• Analyze and validate the variance report in conjunction with other pay period controls. 

• Actively participate in team events (i.e., meetings, training, etc.) and consistently demonstrate positive, can-do behavior 

• Ensure payroll procedures are kept up to date; identify continuous improvements opportunities 

• Support payroll audit activity and general projects, as required 

Required Qualifications & Skills

Experience requirements 

• Experience with vendor supported payroll processes 

• Proven experience reviewing and developing payroll procedures and policies 

• Good working knowledge of employee taxes and benefit programs 

• Prior experience working as part of a multi-national company is a plus 

• Experience processing payroll for multiple EMEA countries, including Germany and Italy, is a strong preference 

Skill requirements 

• A team player with the ability to take initiative 

• Excellent interpersonal skills – treats people with respect; is approachable, open and direct; develops effective working relationships with staff at all levels 

• Demonstrates resilience and determination 

• High attention to detail with good analytical and mathematical skills 

• Organized and consistently accurate, especially when operating under time-sensitive requirements 

• High degree of computer literacy with advanced Excel skills (Pivots and VLookups) 

• Flexible approach to work, responsibilities and deadlines 

• Strong customer service focus 

• Unquestionably diplomatic and discreet, with the ability to regularly handle confidential information 

• Able to function and build relationships successfully in an environment remote from key stakeholders and clients 

• Excellent time management skills with an ability to effectively prioritize work 

Competency requirements 

• Build and maintain relationships 

• Communicate effectively 

• Drive results 

• Champion change and continuous improvements 

• Exhibit professional excellence and unwavering integrity 

The Perks

• 25 days annual leave

• Private medical insurance & dental care

• Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free

• Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing

• Excellent parental and guardian leave

• Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.