Payroll Lead

SF Partners; Aylesbury; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

SF Partners is seeking an experienced Payroll Lead in Aylesbury to own the end-to-end payroll cycle using Moorepay for hourly and salary staff. You will ensure accurate, compliant payroll processing, support month-end activities, and act as the primary contact for payroll queries and audits.

You will liaise with HR and Finance to validate time and attendance, manage year-end tasks, pensions submissions, and ensure RTI compliance while driving continuous payroll process improvements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as payroll lead or senior payroll, preferably in manufacturing/engineering.
• Strong knowledge of Moorepay payroll system.
• Solid understanding of UK payroll legislation and compliance.
• Experience handling shift-based and overtime-heavy payrolls.
• Excellent numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Clear communication with employees and managers.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll cycle using Moorepay for hourly and salary staff.
• Capture and process payroll data (hours, overtime, bonuses, allowances).
• Validate time and attendance data with HR/Finance and resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure HMRC compliance including PAYE, NI, pensions auto-enrolment and RTI submissions.
• Maintain payroll records and support audits.
• Administer pension schemes and ensure proper submissions.
• Handle year-end tasks like P60s and P11Ds.
• Be primary point of contact for payroll queries.
• Collaborate with Moorepay support to resolve issues.
• Lead process improvements to increase accuracy and efficiency.
• Produce payroll reports for budgeting and analysis.
• Support monthly close and cashbook entries.
• Ensure timely provision of ONS data.
• Maintain confidentiality of payroll data.

Skills

Payroll leadership

UK payroll legislation knowledge

Shift-based payroll

Attention to detail

Time management

Communication skills

Independent work

Data analysis

Tools

Moorepay

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Payroll Lead
Department: Finance / HR
Location: Aylesbury
Reports To: Financial Controller / HR Manager
System Used: Moorepay Payroll

We are seeking an experienced and detail‑oriented Payroll Lead to take ownership of the end‑to‑end payroll process. Working with the Moorepay payroll system, you will ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll delivery for all employees, while acting as the key point of contact for payroll queries, audits, and process improvements.

The role will also support the wider finance team with month end activities and daily cash book entries.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full end‑to‑end payroll cycle using Moorepay for hourly and salary paid employees.
• Ensure all payroll data (hours, overtime, bonuses, shift premiums, allowances, new starters, leavers, and contractual changes) is accurately captured and processed.
• Liaise with HR, Finance, and departmental managers to validate time and attendance data, resolving discrepancies promptly.
• Oversee payroll compliance with HMRC legislation, including PAYE, NI, pensions auto-enrolment, statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP), and RTI submissions.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and support internal and external audits.
• Administer pension schemes, ensuring correct deductions and submissions to providers.
• Process year-end activities, including P60s, P11Ds, and statutory reporting.
• Act as the first point of contact for employee payroll and benefits queries, providing clear and professional support.
• Work with Moorepay's support team to resolve system issues and optimise system functionality.
• Lead continuous improvement of payroll processes, enhancing accuracy, efficiency, and controls.
• Produce payroll reports for Finance and HR, supporting budgeting, forecasting, and analysis.
• Process daily cashbook receipts and support finance month end activities in closing jobs in ERP system.
• Ensure all ONS requests are provided on time.
• Ensure strict confidentiality and secure handling of payroll data.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience in a payroll lead or senior payroll role, ideally within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
• Strong working knowledge of the Moorepay payroll system (essential).
• Solid understanding of UK payroll legislation and best practices.
• Experience handling shift-based and overtime-heavy payrolls.
• High attention to detail and strong numerical accuracy.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to explain payroll matters clearly to employees and managers.
• Proficiency in Excel (lookups, pivot tables, and data validation desirable).
• Ability to work independently and manage deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Desirable Attributes

• Experience working with time & attendance systems.
• Knowledge of manufacturing sector pay structures and processes.
• Ability to identify and implement process improvements.
• Familiarity with payroll‑related HR and Finance workflows.

This is a temporary - permanent role, working in the office 5 days a week in Aylesbury. Hours are 830am-5pm Mon - Thurs and 8.30am - 2pm on a Friday . The role is to start asap