Business Analyst (Payroll)

Business Analyst – Payroll Transformation (Global Programme)

Duration: Initial 6 Months

Location: Reading or Dublin (hybrid)

Contract Type: Day Rate (Inside IR35 if UK Based)

Read the overview of this opportunity to understand what skills, including and relevant soft skills and software package proficiencies, are required.

We’re hiring a Business Analyst to support a major global Payroll Transformation programme. This role is ideal for someone experienced in defining payroll requirements, implementing new payroll platforms/providers, and with proven involvement in parallel payroll testing.

You’ll work with global/local payroll teams, vendors, and technical partners to ensure requirements are clear, processes are mapped, and the solution meets business and compliance needs. The role reports into the Programme Lead.

Key Responsibilities

• Requirements capture - Document statutory, regulatory, functional, operational, and integration needs.
• Process mapping - Build detailed as‑is and to‑be payroll process flows, identifying gaps and risks.
• Solution delivery - Produce requirements, data definitions, validation rules, and acceptance criteria for a new payroll platform/provider.
• Workshop facilitation - Lead discussions with payroll SMEs, finance teams, and in‑market stakeholders.
• Traceability - Ensure payroll requirements remain traceable through design, configuration, testing, and deployment.
• Vendor collaboration - Support configuration reviews, functional walkthroughs, and solution validation.
• Data migration - Assist with mapping, transformation rules, and reconciliation.
• Testing support - Contribute to UAT, reconciliation, cutover activities, and parallel payroll testing.
• Documentation - Maintain high‑quality artefacts including user stories, test scenarios, and process flows.
• Risk management - Identify and escalate risks related to timelines, compliance, or solution design.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Requirements engineering and strong analytical capability.
• Deep understanding of end‑to‑end payroll processes, compliance, and operating models.
• Experience implementing payroll platforms/providers (e.g., ADP, SD Worx, Ceridian, Alight, Workday Payroll).
• Proven involvement in parallel payroll testing and payroll UAT.
• Ability to engage confidently with global/local SMEs.
• Strong problem‑solving, communication, and organisational discipline. xwzovoh
• Experience in multi‑country payroll environments is highly desirable.