Management Accountant

Harbour Hotels; Christchurch; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading hospitality group based in Christchurch is seeking a Payroll Manager to oversee the end-to-end payroll function across multiple hotel sites. This role involves managing complex payrolls, ensuring compliance with UK regulations, and improving payroll systems. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in payroll management, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of UK payroll legislation. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Discounts across hotels, spas, restaurants, and bars

Career progression pathways

Supportive leadership

Team-oriented environment

Qualifications

• Experience managing payroll for a multi-site business is highly desirable.
• Experience in hospitality or leisure sector is a plus.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Manage monthly payrolls for multiple hotel sites.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC and pension regulations.
• Build relationships with Hotel General Managers for payroll support.
• Oversee payroll year-end processes and identify improvements.
• Resolve pay and pension queries from staff.

Skills

UK payroll legislation knowledge

Analytical mindset

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Ability to meet tight deadlines

Education

CIPP qualification or working towards

Tools

Payroll software (Fourth, MyExpenses)

Job description

Payroll Manager – HarbourHotels

Location : Christchurch, BH23

Salary : Competitive + Benefits

Contract Type : Full-time, Permanent

About Us

Harbour Hotels are collection of prestigious hotels nestled in some of the most beautiful locations across the South. Our luxury portfolio spans sensational coastal, country and city properties with a variety of exciting restaurant concepts and our unique HarSPA brand across many of our sites. The home of our Head Office, Harbour House, is based in Christchurch and is the base of all our centralised support functions. Our vibrant and contemporary office houses our relaxed and friendly support team for all our hotels.

The Role

Reporting to the Group Financial Controller, you’ll be responsible for the end-to-end payroll function across all our hotel sites. You’ll manage complex, multi-location payrolls, ensure compliance with all statutory regulations, and drive continuous improvement in payroll processes and systems. You’ll also work closely with our Hotel General Managers, maintaining strong lines of communication to support payroll accuracy, resolve queries, and provide insight.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and process monthly payrolls for multiple hotel sites with varying staff structures and shift patterns.
• Maintain accurate employee records, ensuring compliance with HMRC, pensions, and statutory reporting.
• Build strong relationships with Hotel General Managers, providing clear communication and support on payroll queries, reporting and deadlines.
• Lead on external audit queries surrounding payroll.
• Addressing pay and pension related queries from staff and resolving any issues related to payroll discrepancies.
• Work closely with HR and Finance with any payroll queries.
• Oversee PAYE, NI, pension contributions, SSP / SMP / SPP, DEA and other statutory payments.
• Manage payroll year-end processes, including P60s, P11Ds, and submissions to HMRC.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll systems, procedures, and automation.
• Support the rollout of new payroll software or system integrations where applicable.

About You

• Proven experience managing payroll for a multi-site business (hospitality or leisure sector experience highly desirable).
• In-depth knowledge of UK payroll legislation and compliance requirements.
• Comfortable working to tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail, analytical mindset, and excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with others.
• Experience with Fourth & MyExpenses advantageous.
• CIPP qualification (or working towards it) preferred.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Discounts across our hotels, spas, restaurants, and bars.
• Individual and bespoke career and progression pathways.
• Supportive leadership and a friendly, team-oriented environment.
• The chance to shape payroll operations in a growing, people-focused hospitality group.

How to Apply

If you’re a detail-driven payroll professional who thrives in a fast-paced, people-centred environment, we’d love to hear from you, please apply with a full and up to date CV below.

Please note only those eligible to work in the UK or have a valid UK work permit / visa will be considered for this vacancy.