Human Resources Officer

Lewis Silkin is a UK top-100 commercial law firm with offices in London, Oxford, Cardiff and Hong Kong. The firm is recognised by clients and industries alike as being distinct: for its deep understanding, insight and advice to creative, innovative and brand-focused businesses; for its market-leading international practice in employment, immigration and reward; and for delivering pragmatic, commercial advice in a refreshingly human way.

With 62 partners and more than 300 staff, the firm is structured around two key divisions.

The employment, immigration and reward team which is consistently top-ranked and was named HR Law Firm of the Year 2015 by the Legal 500. With over 100 lawyers, Lewis Silkin’s employment and immigration team offers an unrivalled service supporting clients, including many of the world’s leading businesses, on their HR, employment and immigration law needs domestically and internationally. 

The creators, makers and innovators team is made up of leading advisers for creative, innovative and brand-focused businesses, offering a deep understanding of the industry sectors in which clients operate combined with real expertise across a wide range of legal services. From start-ups to multinationals, the firm’s comprehensive and commercially focused advice helps clients succeed in an increasingly complex and converged international marketplace.

The HR team consists of 10 members, the majority of whom are based in our London office.  This role provides the opportunity to work with the whole team on a regular basis. Reporting into the HRMs and Chief People Officer, this role will be covering a period of maternity leave.  All members of the team work closely together to support staff across the business covering resourcing, reward, development and employee relations.

This role will require the post-holder to be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of three key areas: the firm’s Payroll, Compensation & Benefits and the HR information system (HRIS).  Under guidance and supervision, the post-holder will also assist other HR Officers and HR Managers in the management of day-to-day operational functions.

HR Systems and Management Information

• Overall responsibility for maintaining the HRIS (Cascade) and ensuring that information is input accurately and in a timely manner.

• Responsible for the back end maintenance of the system, including continuous development of the system, liaising with Cascade Helpdesk, routine maintenance in conjunction with the IT team.

• Work closely with the HR Assistant and overseeing tasks are actioned appropriately.

• Responsible for the generation and provision of HR management reports, scheduled Cascade reports and Cascade workflows on a monthly basis and to troubleshoot where necessary.

• Design reports where appropriate to best support the analysis of management information.

• Monthly data audit of management reporting i.e. headcount, manpower plan, with support from the HR Assistant.

• Provide data analysis and management information i.e. sickness absence, self-certification etc.

Payroll

• Ensure that all payroll information is processed and entered onto Cascade in a timely manner and appropriately audited.

• Conduct reference checking of the monthly payroll data prepared by the outsourced payroll provider prior to approval of the monthly payroll.

• Liaise with the finance team and outsourced payroll provider in dealing with any payroll queries which may arise.

• Ensure that the monthly payroll is completed accurately and on time each month for all staff.

• Ensure that all monthly pensions’ administration is completed accurately and on time each month for all scheme members.

• Responsible for compiling the monthly Hong Kong payroll submission in conjunction with the finance team. Assisting with HK payroll queries and admin where necessary.

• Administer the annual P11D and PAYE/HMRC end of year review process.

Staff Benefits

• Ensure that all employee benefit information is kept up-to-date and administered in a timely manner on a monthly basis including inter alia BUPA/ Pension / My Family Care / Childcare Vouchers & other discretionary benefits.

• Work closely with the Chief People Officer with benefit renewal on an annual basis, to also include renewal of Hong Kong insurance policies.

• Provide support to the Chief People Officer regarding the firm’s Pension auto-enrolment project in for 2017 roll-out.

• Manage all associated and ongoing administration for pensions auto-enrolment.

• Administer and provide guidance to all staff regarding the firm’s benefits package including gym subsidy and membership; Private Medical Insurance (BUPA), Pension, Season Ticket Loans, Cycle to Work scheme, Childcare Vouchers, TEDS and Conveyancing etc.

• Oversee and case manage all maternity/paternity and shared parental leave related administration and advise managers on entitlements.

• Co-ordinate the annual Practising Certificate renewal process with the SRA.

Operational HR Support to HR Managers and HR Officers

• Provide support to the Employment & Immigration Department (EIR) regarding Lewissilkinhouse and Rockhopper contractual arrangements.

• Oversee recruitment campaigns for Cardiff.

• With guidance from HR Managers /provide support on issues such as sickness absence, performance, grievance and probation periods and Occupational Health referrals.

• Provide day-to-day HR guidance on policies, procedures and processes.

Person Specification

• Educated to degree level (or equivalent by experience), and/or CIPD qualification preferred.

• Gained at least two years’ experience in administering payroll, compensation and benefits for 300+ staff.

• Relevant experience of operating within an HR function ideally in professional services.

• Knowledge and experience of HR databases including implementation of system changes (Cascade preferred).

• Excellent IT skills including prior use of document management systems.

• Proficient in the use of Excel (including ability to manipulate data and produce statistical information using vlookups and pivot tables).

• Excellent attention to detail and strong analytical skills.

• Articulate and able to communicate at all levels.

• Able to work under pressure, organised and client focused.

• Proactive, able to work on own initiative with flexibility and to research independently.

• Excellent team player.

• Flexibility to travel to Oxford and/or London on occasion to fulfil role responsibilities.

No agencies please.

Lewis Silkin is an Equal Opportunities employer.