Payroll Controller

Role overview

John Sisk & Son Ltd is an international construction and engineering business with a family-owned background. Its work spans building, infrastructure, rail, energy and off-site manufacturing across Ireland, the UK and Europe. The organisation focuses on creating careers where people can develop, contribute meaningfully and support positive change.

In this Payroll Controller position, you will help deliver payroll services that are accurate, compliant and efficient across the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and selected European locations. Reporting to the Payroll Manager, you will operate as a senior payroll specialist and trusted subject matter expert. The role involves owning day-to-day payroll activity, checking and approving payroll results, handling complex issues and contributing to better processes, systems and controls.

Payroll operations

• Run weekly and monthly payroll cycles accurately and on schedule for the UK, ROI and Europe.
• Check payroll inputs, calculations and final outputs to confirm they are correct and compliant.
• Review payroll changes such as new hires, exits, pay updates, bonuses, overtime and statutory pay.
• Assist with monthly payroll reconciliations and reporting.
• Support payroll sign-off and control checks before payments are released.
• Provide support during key payroll deadlines while maintaining service standards.

Compliance and governance

• Ensure payroll activities align with relevant UK, Irish and European legislation.
• Help manage statutory deductions, pension contributions and required regulatory reporting.
• Keep payroll legislation knowledge current and apply best practices.
• Assist with internal and external payroll audits.
• Follow GDPR requirements and protect employee data confidentiality.
• Support payroll controls, procedures and governance standards.

Stakeholder management

• Act as a point of escalation for difficult payroll and benefits queries.
• Develop effective working relationships with HR, Finance, IT and outside payroll providers.
• Support management reporting and provide payroll information when needed.
• Resolve employee and stakeholder queries quickly and professionally.

Systems and continuous improvement

• Keep payroll records and employee data accurate within payroll systems.
• Support payroll projects, system upgrades, implementations and process improvements.
• Look for ways to improve payroll efficiency, controls and the employee experience.
• Help colleagues adopt new payroll technologies and updated ways of working.

Experience and qualifications

This role calls for substantial hands-on payroll experience covering the UK, EU and ROI. You should have strong end-to-end payroll exposure in a medium-to-large organisation, including experience supporting or guiding payroll team members. A solid grasp of payroll law, statutory obligations and compliance requirements is important, as is experience working across multiple payroll frequencies and high-volume payroll environments. Experience with payroll projects, system implementations or process enhancement is desirable, and familiarity with Coins Payroll or a similar system would be an advantage. The position also requires an IPASS, CIPP or equivalent payroll qualification, along with strong Microsoft Excel skills. Additional qualifications in finance, payroll or business would be beneficial.

Additional information

At Sisk, the total rewards package includes more than pay. Benefits mentioned for this role include a competitive salary, 26 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, broad health, wellbeing and lifestyle support, career development opportunities and other benefits available through the Total Rewards programme.

Recruitment, equality and accessibility

All vacancies are handled directly by the internal recruitment team. Unsolicited CVs and speculative approaches from unapproved agencies are not accepted, and no fees will be paid. The company is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion, family status or other protected characteristics. Reasonable adjustments can be provided during the recruitment process. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every requirement, as skills, experience and potential are valued. Recruitment materials are prepared to comply with legal and regulatory standards, including the Irish and UK Equality Acts and the EU Pay Transparency Directive, to support fairness, transparency and equal access.