Unit 4 Payroll Specialist - Inside IR35

Unit 4 Payroll Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Rate: £500 (a day)

Duration: 6 Months (Initially)

Location: Uxbridge (Hybrid)

Ir35: Inside (Umbrella Company)

Job Purpose

The Unit 4 Payroll SME is responsible for the end-to-end delivery of ERP Payroll services within the Unit 4 system, ensuring alignment with organisational standards and service expectations. This role combines technical system expertise with a strong understanding of payroll processes to drive continuous improvement, compliance, and stakeholder satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Service Ownership
  • Lead the end-to-end delivery and ongoing management of the Unit 4 Payroll ERP service.
  • Ensure that services meet business requirements, remain compliant, and align with organisational policies and objectives.
• System and Process Development
  • Analyse payroll-related business processes and determine ERP system requirements.
  • Execute and oversee maintenance, upgrades, and improvement projects for the Payroll module.
  • Stay current with Unit 4 updates and industry best practices to ensure optimal system usage.
• Collaboration and Stakeholder Management
  • Routinely collaborate with HR, Finance, IT, and other cross-functional teams to drive payroll service improvements.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll-related service issues and requests.
  • Lead knowledge sharing, ensuring stakeholders are informed, engaged, and supported.
• Supplier and Vendor Management
  • Manage external supplier relationships for payroll-related services.
  • Identify opportunities for cost savings and performance enhancements, advising the Associate Director as needed.
  • Monitor and resolve supplier service issues, ensuring agreed SLAs are met.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting
  • Develop and monitor service delivery metrics and KPIs.
  • Analyse service performance data and propose actionable improvements.
  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of payroll processes and systems.
• Professional Development and Support
  • Collaborate with colleagues across Enabling Services to support the development of ERP capabilities.
  • Promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrable experience working with Unit 4 ERP (preferably including Payroll module).
• In-depth knowledge of payroll processes, compliance, and reporting requirements.
• Proven track record in managing complex ERP service delivery and improvement projects.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and drive service improvements.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience managing third-party suppliers and contracts.

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Experience in a similar role within higher education, public sector, or complex organisational environments.
• Familiarity with other Unit 4 modules (e.g., HR, Finance).
• Knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements.

Values and Behaviours

• A commitment to delivering high-quality services.
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work collaboratively and transparently with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Dedication to personal and professional development.