Summary
Overview
Work history
Skills
Timeline
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Marija Ruggiero

Mitcham

Summary

Highly motivated and results-driven CIPP-qualified payroll professional with extensive experience in managing, administering, and processing UK and international payrolls. Proven expertise in payroll legislation, compliance, system implementations, and payroll process optimisations. Adept at leading teams, delivering payroll transformation projects, and ensuring seamless payroll operations for large organisations. Known for strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to thrive under pressure while meeting strict deadlines.

Demonstrates exceptional leadership in strategic payroll management, optimising payroll functions to align with business goals. Extensive experience in mergers, acquisitions, and payroll transitions, ensuring compliance and efficiency. Adept at building and managing high-performing payroll teams, developing best practices, and leveraging technology to enhance payroll operations.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work history

Payroll Consultant

The Access Group
09.2022 - 04.2025
  • Implement and upgrade Access PeopleXD software for new and existing clients, ensuring smooth adoption and enhanced payroll efficiency
  • Deliver comprehensive user training and consultancy on system utilisation, best practices, and compliance
  • Lead payroll process optimisations to maximise software benefits for clients
  • Support project delivery by managing timelines, budgets, and stakeholder expectations to meet client requirements
  • Provide expert advice on UK payroll legislation, system compliance, and industry best practices
  • Work closely with Payroll, HR and Finance teams to ensure seamless payroll system integration
  • Identify additional sales / upgrade opportunities and liaise with the account managers to ensure that the client’s needs are met
  • Provide training to new payroll consultants joining the team

Head of Group Payroll

TFG London – Phase Eight, Hobbs, and Whistles
04.2020 - 05.2022
  • Led a team of 5 payroll professionals, overseeing payroll operations for 2,000+ employees across UK and ROI multi-sites
  • Managed the full implementation of Access PeopleXD HR & Payroll software for 8 companies (UK & ROI), ensuring seamless data migration, automation, and payroll efficiency
  • Successfully transitioned five outsourced payrolls to in-house operations, reducing costs and increasing control over payroll functions
  • Administered furlough calculations and claims for over 1,500 employees, ensuring accurate submissions via the HMRC portal and compliance with government regulations
  • Managed international payrolls (US, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, Mexico) via ADP TotalSource & ADP Streamline, ensuring full compliance with local tax and labour laws
  • Developed and enforced payroll policies, compliance frameworks, and robust reporting tools to improve payroll accuracy and transparency
  • Delivered monthly payroll reconciliations, BACS processing, pension contributions, and payroll analytics, providing key insights to senior leadership
  • Ensured gender pay gap (GPG) reporting accuracy and developed strategic recommendations for executive teams
  • Provided training and advised staff on payroll and legislative changes
  • Collaborated effectively with auditors, providing accurate, reliable payroll records and documentation for the Group
  • Supported financial and business forecasts to facilitate accurate budgets
  • Producing monthly and quarterly KPIs (absence, turnover, retention)

Payroll Manager

Phase Eight (Fashion & Designs) Ltd
02.2015 - 03.2020
  • Led a team of 3 in managing UK and international payrolls for a multi-site retail business, ensuring timely and accurate payroll processing
  • Spearheaded the Auto-Enrolment pension implementation, developing clear policies and managing pension provider relationships
  • Scoped and mapped out new payroll systems, ensuring seamless integration with HR, finance, and attendance tracking systems
  • Oversaw international payrolls across 10 countries (Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, ROI, Belgium, Sweden, Australia, USA, Mexico), maintaining compliance with in-country payroll, tax, and labour regulations
  • Conducted payroll audits, reconciliations, and compliance reporting for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring payroll accuracy and adherence to financial controls
  • Managed gender pay gap reporting (GPG) and payroll analytics to support executive decision-making
  • Provided training to the payroll team on legislation, RTI, Auto Enrolment and Excel
  • Producing monthly KPIs (absence, turnover, retention)

Payroll Controller

Phase Eight (Fashion & Designs) Ltd
11.2011 - 01.2015
  • Lead a team of 2 in managing UK payroll for 1,300 employees, overseeing payroll processing, compliance, and audit responses
  • Led payroll expansion into four international markets, including Sweden, Germany, ROI, and Belgium
  • Managed international payrolls across 4 countries (Germany, ROI, Belgium and Sweden)
  • Developed and maintained detailed payroll records to ensure regulatory compliance and audit readiness
  • Provided training, development, appraisals and recruitment of staff
  • Closely monitored system performance, proactively identifying and resolving technical issues to ensure seamless payroll operations and compliance
  • Collaborated with HR and Finance teams to promptly resolve payroll-related queries while efficiently managing third-party inquiries to ensure compliance and seamless operations

Payroll Administrator

Phase Eight (Fashion & Designs) Ltd
07.2010 - 10.2011
  • Supported and deputised for the Payroll Controller in the running of the full payroll cycle
  • Processed payroll adjustments, timesheets, and statutory payments for a large UK workforce
  • Assisted in payroll system upgrades and process improvements to enhance efficiency
  • Managed the payroll query email account responding to queries in a timely manner
  • Acted as the primary point of contact for employees regarding payroll-related inquiries, ensuring prompt resolution of discrepancies and maintaining accuracy in payroll processing

Payroll Representative

HSS Hire Service Group Ltd
09.2005 - 07.2010
  • Controlled monthly payroll for 700-800 employees, managing tax forms, statutory payments, and audits
  • Assisted the Senior Payroll Representative with pension payments and queries
  • Held sole responsibility for the complete management of the Isle of Man payroll, overseeing all aspects from start to finish, ensuring compliance and accuracy throughout the process
  • Ensured all payroll reports, documents, and records were meticulously filed and readily accessible to ensure audit readiness and compliance

Skills

Payroll Strategy & Compliance (UK & International)

Payroll Systems Testing, Implementation, Data Migration & Upgrades

Team Leadership, Coaching & Development

Stakeholder Management & Business Partnering

Process Automation & Continuous Improvement

Payroll Analytics & Business Reporting

Payroll Reconciliations, Financial Reporting & Analysis

Year-End & Month-End Processing (P11Ds, P60s, RTI Submissions)

Pension Administration & Auto-Enrolment

Gender Pay Gap (GPG) Reporting & KPI Analysis

HMRC & Internal/External Audit Compliance

Mergers & Acquisitions Payroll Integration

Change Management & Payroll Transformation

Timeline

Payroll Consultant

The Access Group
09.2022 - 04.2025

Head of Group Payroll

TFG London – Phase Eight, Hobbs, and Whistles
04.2020 - 05.2022

Payroll Manager

Phase Eight (Fashion & Designs) Ltd
02.2015 - 03.2020

Payroll Controller

Phase Eight (Fashion & Designs) Ltd
11.2011 - 01.2015

Payroll Administrator

Phase Eight (Fashion & Designs) Ltd
07.2010 - 10.2011

Payroll Representative

HSS Hire Service Group Ltd
09.2005 - 07.2010

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