Finance and Payroll Administrator

About the Position

Finance and Payroll Administrator

Kildare, Ireland

We are SGS – the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world. Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability.

Responsibilities

The Finance Operations & Payroll Administrator plays an important role in supporting the Finance Department and wider business by ensuring accurate, timely and controlled execution of key finance activities across payroll, accounts receivable, credit control, accounts payable, month-end reporting, general finance administration, tax compliance, grant administration and general finance operations.

• Coordinate the administration of payroll, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.
• Maintain employee payroll records and process payroll-related changes, leave adjustments, expenses, and benefits.
• Support accounts receivable activities including invoicing, credit control, customer account management, cash allocation, and debt collection.
• Assist with accounts payable processes, supplier invoice management, reconciliations, and payment administration.
• Prepare payroll, debtor, creditor, and balance sheet reconciliations.
• Support month-end close activities, including journals, accruals, reporting, and financial analysis.
• Assist with VAT returns, audits, compliance requirements, and financial controls.
• Support ERR reporting, IDA grant administration, and the preparation of associated documentation and reconciliations.
• Maintain accurate finance records and contribute to continuous process improvement initiatives.
• Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders, Shared Service Centres, suppliers, and customers.

Requirements

• Leaving Certificate or equivalent required
• One year’s experience in administration or a similar role is essential
• A certificate or QQI Level 5–6 in a related discipline is an advantage but not essential
• Experience working in a busy finance, payroll or accounts administration environment.
• Practical understanding of payroll administration, payroll controls and confidential employee data handling.
• Experience in accounts receivable, credit control, accounts payable, reconciliations and month-end support.
• Experience working with ERP systems, payroll systems, online banking platforms and Microsoft Office applications.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, including reconciliations, reporting schedules, lookups, filtering and data checks.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, particularly when working with payroll, payments, reconciliations and financial records.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage recurring deadlines and competing priorities.
• Clear communication skills with the ability to follow up professionally and confidently with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to investigate queries through to resolution.
• Good numeric and analytical skills, with the ability to identify errors, trends, unusual balances and process gaps.
• Confidential, trustworthy and professional approach to sensitive employee, supplier, customer and financial information.
• Proactive and positive attitude with a willingness to support the wider finance team and improve processes.
• Ability to work independently while also contributing effectively as part of a team

We Offer

At SGS, we believe in rewarding our employees for their hard work and commitment. As part of our team, you would be eligible for:

• Competitive salary: 32,000 - 35,000 p.a. DOE
• Pension scheme + Life Assurance
• Maternity & Paternity Top Up
• Gym Discount
• 22 Days Annual Leave (increasing with service) plus bank holidays
• Health & Wellbeing initiatives

About the Company

SGS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and as such we recruit, hire, train, and promote persons in all job classifications without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetics, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristics protected by law.

To be considered for this role, you must hold a valid and eligible work permit or visa that authorizes you to work in Ireland.

APPLY NOW for full consideration, if you are selected for an interview, or further consideration, we will be in touch with you directly.