Payroll Manager

TN United Kingdom; Bristol; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a skilled Payroll Manager for a long-term interim role in Central Bristol. This exciting opportunity involves taking full ownership of the payroll function, managing complex payroll processes, and ensuring compliance with UK payroll legislation. The successful candidate will enjoy a hybrid working model after an initial period in the office, allowing for flexibility while contributing to the finance function's effectiveness. If you have a strong background in payroll management and are ready to tackle challenges in a dynamic environment, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Parking Available

Hybrid Working Model

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a sole payroll position is essential.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processes across various payroll types.
• Produce regular and ad hoc payroll reports, ensuring accuracy.
• Liaise with HR and banking contacts for smooth payroll processing.

Skills

UK Payroll Legislation Knowledge

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Attention to Detail

Payroll Software Experience

Excel Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

Experience in Payroll Management

Tools

Payroll Software

Excel

Job description

Robert Half are currently supporting a business based in Central Bristol, who are looking for a Payroll Manager to join their team on a long-term interim basis.

This role presents an opportunity with proven Payroll experience, to contribute to the effective running of the finance function.

Role: Payroll Manager

Pay Rate: £175pd - £300pd depending on level of experience

Start Date: ASAP

Location: Central Bristol

Duration: 12 Months

Hybrid working available following the initial 3 months in the office

Parking Available

Responsibilities:

• Take full ownership of the payroll function, managing end-to-end payroll processes across a variety of payroll types, including PAYE, SIPP, and SASS schemes.
• Oversee the processing of multiple payrolls on a rolling basis, varying in volume and complexity, often dealing with different payroll cycles on the same day.
• Input, check, and validate payroll data, ensuring accuracy and completeness before sign-off; follow through with variance analysis and reconciliation in collaboration with finance.
• Produce regular and ad hoc reports, including absence and variance reports.
• Work closely with HR to process new starters, update records, and manage deductions.
• Administer key payroll elements such as salary sacrifice, overtime, sickness, and absence reporting.
• Respond to payroll queries, including urgent client requests and ad hoc payment runs where necessary.
• Maintain and update master payroll tracking sheets; set deadlines and ensure all updates are processed within agreed timelines.
• Liaise with banking contacts and ensure sufficient funds and correct details are in place to facilitate smooth payroll processing.
• Communicate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders to resolve issues and maintain strong working relationships.
• Support knowledge sharing and onboarding of new staff by documenting and explaining payroll processes and practices.
• Ensure payroll operations remain compliant with relevant legislation and internal audit requirements.

Skills & Experience:

• Previous experience in a sole payroll position or similar standalone role is essential.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, SIPP, and salary sacrifice schemes is beneficial.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to juggle multiple deadlines and client requirements simultaneously.
• A confident communicator who is comfortable explaining complex processes to both internal colleagues and external contacts.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail, especially when working under pressure or dealing with sensitive financial data.
• Experience using payroll software and strong Excel or spreadsheet-based reporting skills.
• Able to work autonomously, take initiative, and see tasks through to completion without constant supervision.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and a calm, client-focused mindset when handling urgent queries or unexpected issues.

For more information on this role, please apply online or call Lewis Young on 0117 993 5400.