Payroll Specialist

Job Title: Payroll Specialist Location : Hybrid/ FAI HQ Abbottstown Department: People and Culture Reporting To: Head of People and Culture Contract Type: 12 Month Fixed Term Contract Commencement Date: ASAP Introduction: The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride. Purpose of the role: The Payroll Specialist will be responsible for the accurate, timely and compliant delivery of payroll across the Football Association of Ireland. Working as part of the People & Culture function, the Payroll Specialist will take ownership of the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining robust payroll controls, processes and records. The role will act as the organisation’s payroll subject matter expert and will work closely with colleagues across People & Culture, Finance and the wider Association. The Payroll Specialist will also play an important role in continually improving payroll processes, systems, reporting and employee experience. Key Responsibilities: Payroll, Compensation & Benefits and Pay Transparency Process end to end payroll by partnering with Finance and Payroll Stakeholders and effectively managing payroll cycles, deadlines and competing priorities. Identify opportunities to improve employee experience and simplify People processes through the payroll function. Partner with the wider People team to continuously improve on delivering and effective and efficient payroll. Provide guidance and support to managers and employees on payroll policies and procedure. Coach and challenge leaders to embed effective people management practices. Support organisational change and transformation initiatives. Provide trusted advice and guidance across payroll queries, pension queries and other compensation and benefits queries. Build strong relationships across the organisaiton Use workforce data and apply analytical skills to bring payroll insights and recommendations. Analyse and interpret reporting dashboards to help guide payroll decision making and provide proactive solutions. Support enhancements to payroll controls, reporting, governance and data accuracy Support preparation for evolving pay transparency expectation and legislation Support development of salary framework and consistent remuneration principles Promote fairness, equity and transparency in remuneration practices Work with key external stakeholders in reviewing, benchmarking, recommending and enhancing the Associations Compensation and Benefits. Any other P&C projects which might be assigned from time to time The Person: The successful candidate will have the following: Experience & Qualifications IPASS qualification or another recognised payroll qualification. 3+ years in a Payroll role in a fast-paced environment (preferably in a sports industry) Strong experience in processing payroll for 100+ employees is essential Experience in delivering People and Culture projects involving reward, payroll, benefits and process improvement Experience implementing or improving payroll systems, controls or processes. Experience with payroll reporting, workforce cost analysis and budgeting. Knowledge of pension and employee benefit administration. Skills and Professional Knowledge Experience of preparing management reports Excellent interpersonal, communication and management skills with the ability to interact and influence effectively at all levels across the business Excellent problem-solving skills. Exceptionally high standards of accuracy and attention to detail. Ability to balance strategic thinking with operational delivery Process driven with great attention to detail Abiltiy to handle sensitive employee and organisation information with discretion, professionalism and sound judgement. Strong organisational skills with the ability to effectively prioritise and deliver high quality results. Our Benefits Two premium level tickets to each home international game Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave Opportunities to work at international matches Company Contribution Pension Scheme Bike to work scheme Free onsite parking Employee assistance programmes Closing date for receipt of applications is 12pm on Friday, 28th August 2026. Shortlisting and interviews will take place shortly afterwards. The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer