Payroll Specialist

Role overview

Standard Life is seeking an experienced Payroll Specialist to join its Customer Payroll team in Dublin. This position is suited to someone who enjoys end-to-end payroll ownership, resolving intricate tax issues, and contributing in a collaborative, mission-led workplace. The role offers the chance to strengthen pension payroll expertise while supporting customers at significant stages of retirement planning.

Standard Life is a retirement-focused business dedicated to helping people prepare for their financial future. With more than 200 years of experience, the company supports customers through major life decisions and promotes a flexible, trusted environment where people can do their best work.

This position reports to the ARF & Payroll Team Manager and is based in Dublin with hybrid working.

Key responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for the payroll process from initial data gathering through payment execution and final reporting.
• Ensure payroll activity meets Revenue obligations, including payroll submissions and RPN handling.
• Deal with PAYE-related questions and provide clear technical support to colleagues and advisers.
• Carry out manual tax computations and assist Finance with payroll reconciliation.
• Look for ways to improve workflows by reviewing existing processes and removing inefficiencies.
• Contribute to annual payroll tasks and project work, including activities such as imputed distribution.
• Help build team capability by sharing knowledge and supporting cross-functional learning.

Requirements

• Proven background in managing payroll end to end, preferably within a regulated or financial services setting.
• Strong working knowledge of Irish payroll taxes, including PAYE, USC, and PRSI, along with Revenue procedures.
• Experience resolving detailed payroll queries and coordinating with several stakeholders.
• Confident use of Excel and payroll software for accurate data handling.
• Self-starter with a practical approach to problem solving and process enhancement, especially under pressure.
• Desirable but not mandatory: familiarity with pensions, ARFs, or annuity products.
• Desirable but not mandatory: IPASS qualification.
• Desirable but not mandatory: QFA qualification or progress toward it.

Perks and benefits

• Opportunity to develop specialist expertise in pension payroll within a focused team.
• Exposure to complex tax situations and work that directly affects customer outcomes.
• A collaborative setting where ideas for improving processes are welcomed.
• Flexible working support and opportunities to progress within a FTSE 100 organisation.

Additional information

Contract type: Permanent, full time

Location: Dublin / Hybrid

Reporting to: ARF & Payroll Team Manager

The company is committed to an inclusive hiring process and encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. If your experience does not match every point in the job brief but you believe you can add value, you are encouraged to apply. Reasonable adjustments can be provided during recruitment if needed. Enquiries from everyone are welcome.

Who can apply

Candidates with strong payroll experience, especially those with exposure to Irish payroll taxation and complex stakeholder environments, are encouraged to apply. The company welcomes applicants from varied backgrounds and values transferable experience.