Business Support Manager

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

Job summary

A specialist education and care provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a Payroll Services Manager to oversee payroll operations. The candidate will ensure compliance, process payrolls accurately, and collaborate with teams to maintain financial integrity. Required skills include a strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, experience with payroll systems, and exceptional attention to detail. Offering a salary of £35,000-£40,000 with additional benefits.

Benefits

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Discretionary Bonus Scheme

Company Pension Scheme

Wider staff benefits programme

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing payroll for a medium to large organisation preferred.
• Experience using modern payroll and expense management systems.
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation and statutory reporting.

Responsibilities

• Manage and process monthly payrolls ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Oversee payroll submissions and reporting, resolving discrepancies.
• Support cash flow forecasting and improve payment efficiency.

Skills

UK payroll legislation

Attention to detail

Strong communication

Confidentiality

Tools

SAGE

Job description

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.

Payroll Management Responsibilities

• 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.

Experience and Skills

• 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