Payroll Specialist

About the Role & Team
Be you, be here, be part of the story!

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 Specialist to make a meaningful impact and be part of a dynamic team. Join us in shaping the magic behind the scenes!

As a Payroll Specialist, the successful candidate will play a key role in overseeing and ensuring the accurate processing of all UK payroll related issues, ensuring that employees receive correct remuneration on the published pay dates, thereby ensuring that the Company meets its contractual obligations.

The postholder will also manage the day-to-day workload of assigned payroll in accordance with set timelines to ensure accurate delivery, whilst being responsible for internal and external stakeholder management. This would include the management of our payroll provider, to ensure smooth operations at all times.

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.

What You Will Do

• Responsible for all monthly interface files to SAP integrate Global system accurately and efficiently. Scrutinising and validating the data with precision.

• Oversee and manage end to end payrolls specifically assigned, working with the UK Payroll Analyst at all times.

• Validate and approve T&A entries (TDS payroll specific)

• Check and validate all maternity cases, inclusive of specific benefits and pension requirements.

• Check and validate all tax forms and generic input

• Work with internal partners on any specific payroll issues (i.e. problem solving)

• Identify any trends or risks to the payroll and introduce improved ways of working.

• To undertake input and checking of manual calculations for part month and backdated payments during the month.

• Calculate and raise manual payments within SAP where applicable

• To calculate more complex cases of overpayments for leavers and reverse and replace final month payslip for completeness.

• To analyse the variance report providing a justification for all variances and undertake additional controls.

• Manage General Ledger functions for payroll and ensure correct data is provided to Finance Stakeholders.

• Manage relationship with Compensation and Benefits team and ensure all benefits are applied correctly.

• Process Pensions in accordance to specific scheme rules and manage stakeholder relationships.

• To actively participate in all team events such as meetings and training exercises.

• To manage and co-ordinate the shared mailboxes and ensure these are kept up to date and escalate / manage any complex queries.

• To assist with payroll audits and general projects as required

• To ensure that Auto Enrolment and RTI requirements are adhered to at all times.

• Ensure Enhanced Holiday Payments are processed accurately in line with legislative requirements.

• Ensure payroll compliance at all times is adhered during the monthly payroll process in SAP.

• Work with GHRO to ensure clean and accurate date held within SAP

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Up to date knowledge of all payroll legislation e.g. PAYE, Court Orders, NICs, Statutory Payments and budget updates.

• Previously processed high volume (3000+) payrolls in a comparable organisation.

• Proven experience of reviewing and developing payroll procedures and policies.

• Able to apply all current legislation to their payroll function. 

• Able to identify Company's areas of potential exposure to risk.

• Fully compliant with GDPR requirements

• Experience of dealing with benefits and has a good working knowledge of their impact on PAYE and NICs.

• Exposure to balance & reconciling and a general understanding of payroll reconciliations following a payroll run.

• Previous exposure to monthly and annual HMRC returns.

• To be able to deputise and provide sufficient cover in the absence of the Payroll Manager and Payroll

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

• Can demonstrate a good understanding of Auto Enrolment and RTI procedures.

• SAP knowledge preferred, not mandatory

• Consistently delivers accurate output under strict deadlines and within a fast paced environment.

• Advanced Excel Knowledge (Pivots and VLookups).

• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritise accordingly across a multitude of payrolls

• To lead by example and offer support to less experienced colleagues

• Comfortable and confident in challenging peers and existing processes

• Diplomatic, Discreet, Confidential, pro-active.

• Part Payroll qualification preferred but not essential, with a desire to further their career in payroll.

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.