Payroll Specialist

Our vision is to give everyone the belief they can make their move. We aim to make moving simpler, by giving everyone the best place to turn to and return to for access to the tools, expertise, trust, and belief to make it happen.
We’re home to the UK’s largest choice of properties and are the go-to destination for millions of people planning their next move, reading the latest industry news, or just browsing what’s on the market.
Payroll Executive
Location: Milton Keynes (Hybrid working, 2 days per week in the office. Tues/Weds)
Reporting to: Payroll Manager
The role
We’re looking for an experienced Payroll Executive to join our Finance Team. Working closely with the Payroll Manager, you’ll help deliver an accurate, timely and employee-focused monthly payroll across two PAYE schemes covering around 1,000 employees, supporting the full employee lifecycle from joining through to leaving, while maintaining strong controls, compliance and continuous improvement.
This is a hands-on role for someone with experience of working in an in-house payroll environment, who enjoys getting the detail right, solving payroll queries and working collaboratively across the business. You’ll be part of a supportive team that takes pride in providing a reliable service and improving how we work.
A typical week as a Payroll Executive might involve:
Processing monthly payroll changes across the employee lifecycle, including joiners, leavers, variable pay, absence, deductions and family-related leave
Completing manual payroll calculations, reconciliations, variance checks and payment files accurately and on time
Managing pension administration, auto-enrolment, salary sacrifice arrangements and payrolled benefits
Responding clearly and helpfully to employee and manager queries about pay, tax, pensions and statutory payments
Submitting accurate payroll information to HMRC and maintaining compliant, confidential payroll records
Working closely with People, Finance and other teams to resolve issues and ensure payroll changes are processed correctly
Supporting year-end activity, audits and reporting, while identifying opportunities to improve payroll processes and the employee experience
Supporting Finance activities, including posting payroll payments and journals and assisting with month-end processes and reconciliations
We’re looking for someone who:
Has at least two years’ experience working in a busy, in-house payroll environment
Has strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, pensions and statutory payments
Is confident completing manual calculations and managing pension, auto-enrolment and salary sacrifice administration
Has strong Excel skills, including formulas, lookups and pivot tables, and can confidently analyse and reconcile payroll data
Is organised, accurate and comfortable managing competing priorities against fixed payroll deadlines
Communicates clearly and empathetically, takes ownership of queries and builds positive relationships across the business
Handles confidential information with integrity and looks for practical ways to improve processes
Experience using NetSuite, Zone Payroll or another cloud-based payroll system would be beneficial, as would some experience of posting payroll payments and journals or supporting month-end activities. A recognised payroll qualification, or progress towards one, would also be welcomed
What you’ll bring to the role:
A proactive, organised and methodical approach
Excellent attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills
Clear, empathetic communication and sound judgement
A collaborative mindset and willingness to share knowledge
Curiosity and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement
Salary range
£34,000—£39,000 GBP
Life at Rightmove
Despite our growth, we’ve remained a friendly, supportive place to work, with employee #1 still working here! We’ve done this by placing the Rightmove Hows at the heart of everything we do. These are the essential values that reflect our culture, and include:
We create value…by delivering results and building trust with partners and consumers.
We think bigger…by acting with curiosity and setting bold aspirations.
We care deeply…by being real, having fun, and valuing diversity.
We move together…by being one team - internally collaborative, externally competitive.
We make a difference…by focusing on delivering measurable impact.
We believe in careers that open doors and help our team develop by providing an open and inclusive work environment, offering ongoing training opportunities, and supporting charity fundraising events. And with 89% of Rightmovers saying we’re a great place to work, we’re clearly doing something right!
What we offer
Cash plan for dental, optical and physio treatments.
Private Medical Insurance, Pension and Life Insurance, Employee Assistance Plan.
27 days holiday plus two (paid) volunteering days a year to give back, and holiday buy schemes.
Contributory stakeholder pension.
Life assurance at 4x your basic salary to a spouse, family member or other nominated person in your life.
Competitive compensation package.
Paid leave for maternity, paternity, adoption & fertility.
Travel Loans, Bike to Work scheme, Rental Deposit Loan.
Charitable contributions through Payroll Giving and donation matching.
Access deals and discounts on things like travel, electronics, fashion, gym memberships, cinema discounts and more.
We offer hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days in the office. For our roles, such as Field or Home-based positions, different w