Business Support Manager

Horizon Care and Education; Leeds; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in special education is looking for a proactive Business Support Manager to oversee payroll services and compliance. Responsible for managing payroll across multiple business lines, ensuring accurate payments, and maintaining compliance with UK legislation. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in payroll management and strong communication skills. The role offers a competitive salary of £35-40,000 and additional benefits like a pension scheme and holiday entitlement.

Benefits

Salary in the region of £35-40,000

25 days holiday + bank holidays

Discretionary Bonus Scheme

Company Pension Scheme

Wider staff benefits programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing payroll for a medium to large organization.
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation and pension administration.
• Experience using modern payroll systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage and process four monthly payrolls ensuring accuracy.
• Oversee expense compliance and training managers on submission.
• Support cash flow forecasting and improve payment efficiency.

Skills

Payroll management

Knowledge of UK payroll legislation

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Tools

SAGE

Job description

Business Support Manager

About the Role

We are looking for a highly organised and proactive Payroll Services Manager to join our Finance Team within a Group that provides specialist education, residential care, and supported accommodation for children and young people with additional needs.

The Payroll Services Manager will oversee the end-to-end delivery of payroll services across three business lines, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payment. This role is also responsible for managing employee expense compliance, business-related driving checks, and supporting short-term cash flow management in coordination with the wider finance function.

This is a key role in maintaining financial integrity, supporting operational teams, and ensuring that colleagues across the organisation are paid correctly and on time.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Management

• Manage and process four monthly payrolls across the Group, ensuring all payments are accurate, timely, and compliant with statutory requirements.
• Oversee payroll submissions, reconciliations, and reporting, working closely with HR and site managers to resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, and statutory deductions.
• Maintain accurate payroll records in line with GDPR and audit standards.
• Support the Finance Operations Manager with payroll-related journals, accruals, and reconciliations.

Expense Compliance and Payments

• Oversee the administration and approval process for staff expense claims via Soldo (or relevant system), ensuring compliance with internal policy and HMRC guidance.
• Carry out checks on high-value or exceptional claims to ensure proper authorisation and supporting evidence.
• Provide training or guidance to managers on correct expense submission procedures.

Employee Business Compliance

• Oversee employee driving compliance, ensuring valid driving licences, insurance, and business-use checks are completed for all staff who drive for work purposes.
• Maintain a central compliance log and follow up with managers on renewals or missing information.

Cash Flow and Financial Support

• Work with the Group Financial Controller and Finance team to assist with short-term cash flow forecasting, including payroll and expense payment scheduling.
• Identify opportunities to improve payment efficiency and timing alignment across payrolls.
• Support internal and external audits relating to payroll and employee-related payments.

Candidate Criteria

Essential :

• Proven experience managing payroll for a medium to large organisation (multi-entity or group structure preferred).
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, statutory reporting, and pension administration.
• Experience using modern payroll and expense management systems (SAGE).
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with HR, operations, and finance colleagues.
• High standards of confidentiality and data protection awareness.

Desirable :

• Experience in the children’s care, education, or health & social care sectors.
• Knowledge of HMRC compliance for expenses and benefits in kind.
• Familiarity with cash flow planning or payroll accounting.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and consistent, with a commitment to accuracy and integrity.
• Calm under pressure and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Team player who builds trust across departments.
• Driven to improve systems and streamline processes.

Reward Package

• Salary In the region of £35-40,000
• Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum + bank holidays
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme
• Company Pension Scheme
• Wider staff benefits programme

Business Support Manager - Apply now