Assistant Manager - Payroll Client Services

Forvis Mazars in the UK; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Forvis Mazars is seeking an Assistant Manager to lead the payroll client services team in delivering accurate, timely payrolls for a diverse client base across the UK. You will supervise 8–10 team members, review outputs, and ensure compliance with PAYE, NI, pensions and HMRC reporting.

The role requires proven experience managing a UK payroll delivery team, strong payroll legislation knowledge, and a client-focused, collaborative approach with other advisory teams.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing a UK payroll delivery team within a bureau, outsourcing, professional services or accountancy firm environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, pension obligations and statutory payments.
• Confident communication skills to explain payroll matters clearly and provide constructive feedback.
• Good attention to detail, organisational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Ability to identify risks, raise issues and contribute to practical solutions.
• Client-focused mindset with a commitment to high-quality service.
• Accountable and reliable with ownership of tasks to completion.
• Collaborative approach across payroll, HR, tax, audit and advisory teams.

Responsibilities

• Ensure day-to-day delivery of client payrolls within the team, delivering all payrolls accurately and on time.
• Review payroll calculations, reports, reconciliations and outputs before submission to clients.
• Act as escalation point for day-to-day client contact and respond professionally to complex queries.
• Maintain strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation including PAYE, NI, pensions and HMRC reporting.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls and documentation.
• Monitor deadlines and team capacity to prioritise work and meet service commitments.
• Supervise, coach and support team members with constructive feedback.
• Lead performance management conversations when required and contribute to team initiatives.

Skills

Payroll delivery

Team management

UK payroll legislation

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Client service

Training & mentoring

Job description

Forvis Mazars is a leading global professional services network providing audit & assurance, tax, and advisory services. Forvis Mazars in the UK spans 14 offices across the nation and has over 3,400 professionals, with 190 partners. We have a clear purpose and a shared commitment to shape a better future.

You’ll join a collaborative and inclusive team where you’re supported to grow your skills, explore new opportunities, and contribute from day one. You’ll work with a diverse client base, develop meaningful connections, and gain experience that extends beyond your local team. Together, we grow , belong and impact.

About the team

Due to continued growth in our UK Employer Services team, we have an exciting opportunity available for an Assistant Manager to join our payroll client services department.
This role will support the effective delivery of payroll services to a diverse range of clients; ensuring the portfolio of payrolls within their team are processed accurately, on time and in line with relevant legislation and client requirements. The role will act as a point of contact for key clients, support the development and supervision of around 8 to 10 team members, and contribute to the continuous improvement of payroll processes, technology and client service standards.

About the role

• Responsible for ensuring the day-to-day delivery of client payrolls within your team, ensuring your team deliver all payrolls accurately, efficiently and within agreed deadlines.

• Review payroll calculations, reports, reconciliations and outputs prepared by your team members before submission to clients.

• Act as an escalation point for day-to-day client contact, responding to complex queries professionally and in a timely manner

• Maintain a strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, statutory payments, benefits and HMRC reporting obligations.

• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, automation, controls and documentation to enhance quality, efficiency and consistency.

• Monitor client deadlines and team capacity, helping to prioritise work and ensure service commitments are met.

• Contribute to risk management by following internal quality procedures, maintaining accurate records and escalating issues promptly.

• Supervise, coach and support your team members

• Review work constructively, providing timely feedback to support quality, development and confidence within the team.

• Act as a role model for professional standards, client service, accountability and collaboration.

• Support training and knowledge sharing widely across the payroll department, including changes in payroll legislation, systems and internal processes.

• Monitor performance within your team, and proactively lead performance management conversations and plans where required

• Contribute positively to team meetings, workflow planning and wider service line initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in managing a UK payroll delivery team/s within a bureau, outsourcing, professional services or accountancy firm environment.

• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, pension obligations and statutory payments.

• Confident communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll matters clearly and professionally, resolve issues and give constructive feedback

• Good attention to detail, organisational skills and ability to manage competing deadlines.

• Ability to identify risks, raise issues appropriately and contribute to practical solutions.

• Client-focused, with a commitment to delivering responsive, high-quality service.

• Accountable and reliable, taking ownership of tasks through to completion.

• Collaborative and supportive, working effectively with colleagues across payroll, HR, tax, audit and wider advisory teams.

• Curious and improvement-focused, looking for better ways to deliver services.

• Inclusive and respectful, contributing to a positive team culture where colleagues feel supported and able to develop.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Forvis Mazars diversity, equity and inclusion are central to our values. We value our people’s unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experience, and know this diversity create better outcomes for our clients. We seek to attract, develop, and retain the best talent, inclusive of sex, ethnicity, disability, socio-economic background, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, and faith. We select candidates based on skills, knowledge, qualifications, and experience and aim to support all our team members to reach their potential. At Forvis Mazars, we promote an environment in which you cangrowyour skills,belongto a team that values your ideas, and make animpactthat matters.