Head of Payroll (UK)

InTalent Asia; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading payroll management firm in the UK is seeking an experienced Head of Payroll to manage payroll operations across all entities. The ideal candidate will ensure timely processing and compliance with UK legislation, lead a payroll team, and drive process improvements. Candidates should have 6-8 years of experience, ideally in complex environments. This role is pivotal in enhancing payroll efficiency and data integrity.

Qualifications

• 6-8 years of payroll experience, including 3 years in a senior role.
• Experience in complex multi-site or multi-client payroll management.
• Expertise in payroll systems and statutory obligations.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll operations for all UK entities, ensuring timely salary disbursement.
• Manage compliance with UK payroll legislation and statutory reporting.
• Oversee year-end processes like P60s and Gender Pay reporting.

Skills

Payroll operations management

UK payroll legislation knowledge

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Excel proficiency

Tools

BrightPay

Iris

ADP

Job description

We are looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Head of Payroll (UK) to lead and manage payroll operations across all UK entities. The ideal candidate will ensure accurate and timely payroll processing while maintaining full compliance with HMRC and UK legislation. This role requires excellent leadership, strong analytical thinking, and up-to-date knowledge of payroll systems and statutory obligations.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end payroll operations for all UK entities, ensuring accurate and timely disbursement of salaries.
• Oversee compliance with UK payroll legislation including PAYE, NIC, Auto-Enrolment, RTI, and statutory reporting (SSP, SMP, SPP, etc.).
• Ensure all payroll processes align with company policies, procedures, and employment legislation.
• Manage and mentor the payroll team to foster high levels of performance and engagement.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders (HR, Finance, Operations) and external parties (HMRC, auditors, pension providers).
• Review, maintain, and implement controls to ensure data integrity and compliance.
• Oversee year-end processes including P60s, P11Ds, and Gender Pay reporting.
• Identify and drive process improvements and automation opportunities to enhance efficiency.
• Ensure robust payroll and reconciliation procedures are in place.
• Monitor and update UK payroll policies as needed.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 6-8 years of payroll experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or leadership capacity.
• Proven experience managing UK payrolls in complex, multi-site, or multi-client environments.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and pensions schemes.
• Expertise in using payroll systems and reporting tools (e.g., BrightPay, Iris, ADP, or similar).
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills.
• Strong analytical skills with a high attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel.

Work Hours

• Must be willing to work on UK shift.
• Experience working in a BPO, shared service, or outsourcing environment.
• Exposure to international payroll operations is a plus.
• Track record in leading payroll transformation or system implementation projects.