Interim Senior Payroll Manager

Stanton House; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 68,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an Interim Senior Payroll Manager for a software business in London. This hybrid role offers a competitive salary of up to £80,000 per annum. The successful candidate will own end-to-end payroll processes, manage external payroll providers, and ensure compliance with UK payroll and tax regulations. Strong leadership experience and technical expertise in payroll are essential. Ideal for candidates available immediately or on short notice.

Qualifications

• Qualified by experience or relevant payroll certification.
• Significant payroll leadership experience in complex environments.
• Strong technical knowledge of HMRC processes and pensions.
• Proven experience managing third-party payroll providers.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end UK and European payroll.
• Partner with HR and Tax on changes to pay.
• Manage external payroll providers.
• Resolve payroll queries from employees.
• Support month-end payroll reporting.

Skills

UK payroll knowledge

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Deadline-driven

Process improvement

Education

Payroll certification (e.g. CIPP Level 5)

Tools

Payroll systems

Job description

Overview

Stanton House is recruiting for an Interim Senior Payroll Manager for a Software Business in London. This hybrid role offers a salary of up to £80,000 (pro rata) per annum. You will work 2-3 days in office and the remainder from home.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end UK and European payroll, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
• Partner with HR and Tax on changes to pay, benefits and policies.
• Manage external payroll providers and act as the payroll subject‑matter expert.
• Resolve payroll queries from employees and business stakeholders.
• Support month‑end close through payroll reporting, journals and reconciliations.
• Manage year‑end payroll processes, including P11Ds.
• Ensure compliance with payroll, tax and regulatory requirements.
• Support statutory reporting initiatives such as Gender Pay Gap and National Minimum Wage compliance.
• Drive payroll process improvements, internal controls and system enhancements.
• Lead and develop a Payroll Analyst.
• Adhere to finance information security requirements.

Qualifications

• Qualified by experience or relevant payroll certification (e.g. CIPP Level 5).
• Significant payroll leadership experience in complex or multi‑jurisdiction environments.
• Strong technical knowledge of UK payroll, HMRC processes and pensions.
• Proven experience managing third‑party payroll providers.
• Confident stakeholder manager across HR, Finance, advisors and authorities.
• Demonstrated delivery of payroll controls and process improvements.
• Reliable, deadline‑driven and highly professional.
• Strong analytical capability.
• Experience managing non‑UK payrolls preferred.
• Exposure to payroll systems is advantageous.

Application

We are looking for someone available immediately or on short notice (1–2 weeks). If you meet the above criteria, please apply. Due to the high volume of applications, we may be unable to respond to all unsuccessful applicants.