Assistant Payroll Manager

ICAEW; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

ICAEW in Central London is seeking an experienced payroll specialist to lead the end-to-end monthly payroll for 5,000+ employees using Midland i-Trent. This permanent, hybrid role requires meticulous accuracy, strong regulatory knowledge, and ability to oversee a payroll team.

You will ensure timely payments, manage pensions and deductions, produce reports, and stay compliant with HMRC RTI and UK tax rules.

Qualifications

• Ability to spot discrepancies and prevent payroll errors.
• Ensures accuracy in calculations, reporting, and compliance.
• Interprets payroll data, reconciles accounts, and identifies trends.
• Solves complex payroll issues quickly and effectively.
• Solid understanding of payroll regulations, tax laws, and statutory requirements.
• Keeps up to date with changes and applies them correctly.
• Ability to manage, mentor, and develop payroll staff.
• Delegates effectively and ensures deadlines are met.
• Clearly explains payroll matters to employees and stakeholders.
• Handles sensitive financial and personal data responsibly.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee the end-to-end monthly payroll process for all staff using Midland i-Trent.
• Ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.
• Process salaries, bonuses, overtime, commissions, and deductions.
• Handle payroll processing including BACS payments, FPS & EPS.
• Complete monthly reports and reconciliations.
• Ensure payroll complies with tax laws, employment regulations, and policies.
• Stay up to date with changes in payroll legislation (tax rates, pension rules, etc.).
• Handle HMRC submissions in the UK (RTI).
• Calculate and process Tax & NI contributions; manage pensions (LGPS, TPS).
• Process other deductions (benefits, student loans).
• Remit to authorities and third parties; maintain audit trails.
• Manage payroll software upgrades and integrations with HR/finance systems.
• Maintain accurate employee data and records.
• Provide training and guidance to payroll staff; allocate workload and meet deadlines.
• Reconcile payroll accounts and prepare reports for finance and leadership.
• Support audits and respond to escalated payroll queries.

Skills

Payroll accuracy

Data interpretation

Regulatory compliance

Team mentoring

Deadline management

Stakeholder comms

Tax laws

HR/Finance systems

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Tools

Midland i-Trent

HR/Finance systems

Job description

Permanent Post

Central London

Hybrid working

Duties include

• Manage and oversee the end‑to‑end monthly payroll process for over 5000 employees using the Midland i-Trent payroll system.
• Ensure employees are paid accurately and on time
• Process salaries, bonuses, overtime, commissions, and deductions
• Processing payroll including bacs payments, FPS & EPS
• Completing monthly reports and reconciliations
• Ensure payroll complies with tax laws, employment regulations, and company policies
• Stay up to date with changes in payroll legislation (e.g., tax rates, pension rules, statutory payments)
• Handle statutory reporting (e.g., HMRC submissions in the UK, RTI)
• Calculate and process Tax & NI contributions
• Pension contributions - LGPS, TPS and complex pension scheme management
• Processing other deductions (benefits, student loans, etc.)
• Ensure correct remittance to authorities and third parties
• Manage Midland i-Trent payroll software systems and integrations with HR/finance systems
• Maintain accurate employee data and records
• Implement system upgrades or process improvementsSupervise and support payroll team members
• Provide training and guidance on payroll procedures
• Allocate workload and ensure deadlines are met
• Reconcile payroll accounts and ensure financial accuracy
• Prepare reports for finance, HR, and senior leadership
• Support audits (internal and external)
• Respond to escalated payroll queries from employees
• Resolve discrepancies, errors, or disputes
• Provide explanations on payslips, taxes, and deductions
• Ensure controls are in place to prevent payroll errors or fraud
• Maintain audit trails and documentation
• Support compliance checks and external audits

You will have

• Ability to spot discrepancies and prevent payroll errors
• Ensures accuracy in calculations, reporting, and compliance
• Interprets payroll data, reconciles accounts, and identifies trends
• Solves complex payroll issues quickly and effectively
• Solid understanding of payroll regulations, tax laws, and statutory requirements
• Keeps up to date with changes and applies them correctly
• Ability to manage, mentor, and develop payroll staff
• Delegates effectively and ensures deadlines are met
• Clearly explains payroll matters to employees and stakeholders
• Handles queries and sensitive issues professionally
• Handles sensitive financial and personal data responsibly
• Maintains trust and complies with data protection requirements
• Manages multiple deadlines (pay cycles, reporting, compliance submissions)
• Prioritises tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Resolves payroll discrepancies, system issues, and compliance risks
• Makes sound decisions under pressure
• MUST be confident using Midland i-Trent payroll system and HR/finance platforms

No sponsorship available for this post