Finance and Payroll Administrator

About SGS

SGS is recognized globally as a leading organization in testing, inspection, and certification, known for its commitment to sustainability, quality, and integrity. Operating with more than 99,600 professionals across 2,600 offices and laboratories, SGS fosters a safer and more connected world. Our brand promise, 'when you need to be sure', highlights our dedication to trustworthiness, reliability, and ethical service.

Role Summary

The Finance and Payroll Administrator will be a pivotal member of the Finance Department, delivering essential support for vital finance tasks. These include managing payroll duties, overseeing accounts receivable and payable, conducting month-end reporting, handling tax compliance, grant administration, and general financial operations. Reporting closely to the Financial Controller, this role involves maintaining robust financial records, preparing reconciliations, addressing transactional queries, and ensuring all financial procedures adhere to company policies, audit controls, and statutory mandates.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage payroll processes accurately and ensure timely payroll executions with full regulatory compliance.
• Maintain comprehensive employee payroll records, adjusting for leaves, expenses, benefits, and other payroll-related matters.
• Support accounts receivable by handling invoicing, credit control activities, customer account management, cash allocations, and debt collection efforts.
• Assist in accounts payable tasks, including supplier invoice processing, reconciliations, and payment administration.
• Perform reconciliations related to payroll, debtors, creditors, and balance sheets.
• Participate in month-end closing activities, including journal entries, accruals, financial reporting, and data analysis.
• Contribute to VAT return preparations, audit support, compliance monitoring, and ensuring proper financial controls.
• Assist in ERR reporting, IDA grant management, and all associated documentation and reconciliation tasks.
• Maintain accurate financial documentation while promoting process improvements within finance operations.
• Develop and sustain effective working relationships with internal departments, Shared Service Centres, suppliers, and customers.

Qualifications & Experience

• Possession of Leaving Certificate or an equivalent qualification is required.
• At least one year of administrative experience, preferably within finance or payroll environments.
• Holding a certificate or QQI Level 5–6 in a related discipline is beneficial but not mandatory.
• Experience in dynamic finance, payroll, or accounts administration roles.
• Hands-on knowledge of payroll systems administration, adherence to payroll controls, and confidential handling of employee data.
• Working experience in accounts receivable, credit control, accounts payable, reconciliations, and supporting month-end tasks.
• Familiarity with ERP platforms, payroll software, internet banking services, and Microsoft Office tools.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including tasks such as reconciliations, reporting schedules, database lookups, filtering, and data verification.
• High attention to detail and precision in dealing with payroll, payments, reconciliations, and financial record-keeping.
• Excellent organizational skills, enabling effective management of recurring deadlines and multiple priorities.
• Professional and clear communication abilities for engaging confidently with both internal and external stakeholders.
• Problem-solving aptitude to investigate and resolve queries thoroughly.
• Analytical skills to identify discrepancies, detect unusual trends, and spot process inefficiencies.
• Commitment to confidentiality and professionalism regarding sensitive employee, supplier, customer, and financial information.
• A proactive mindset combined with a positive attitude, with eagerness to support the finance team and facilitate process enhancements.
• Capability to work independently while contributing constructively within a team environment.
• Training on specific internal systems will be provided by the company.

Additional Information

• This is a permanent position based in Naas, County Kildare with a 40-hour work week.
• Salary ranges between 32,000 and 35,000 euros per annum, depending on experience.
• SGS provides employees with attractive benefits including pension schemes, life insurance, maternity and paternity top-ups, gym discounts, 22 days of annual leave (which increases with service), bank holidays, and various health and wellbeing programs.
• SGS is committed to equal employment opportunities, welcoming applications from all qualified individuals regardless of background or personal characteristics protected by law.
• Applicants must hold a valid and authorized work permit or visa allowing work in Ireland.