Payroll Manager

yolk recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency in the UK seeks an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee a busy payroll operation within an accountancy practice. The role requires strong Payroll Bureau experience and involves managing a diverse portfolio of clients. Key responsibilities include team leadership, compliance management, and providing strategic payroll advice. Ideal candidates will have 3-5 years in a senior role and a strong understanding of UK payroll legislation.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years experience in a senior payroll role, ideally in a bureau environment.
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation and tax compliance.
• Proven ability to lead, support, and develop a payroll team.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the payroll team.
• Deliver accurate end-to-end payrolls across various cycles.
• Oversee all aspects of CIS compliance and client reporting.
• Manage auto-enrolment responsibilities and regulatory reporting.
• Provide strategic advice on payroll matters to clients.
• Handle advanced payroll tasks including statutory payments.

Skills

Payroll Bureau experience

Team leadership

Strong communication skills

Attention to detail

Education

CIPP qualification or equivalent

Tools

IRIS payroll system

Job description

Payroll Manager
Salary 40,000
Job type: Full-time, Permanent

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Payroll Manager to lead a busy payroll function within a respected accountancy practice. This role requires strong Payroll Bureau experience, as you'll manage a varied portfolio of external clients with different pay cycles and technical requirements.

The position is ideal for someone who enjoys taking full ownership of payroll operations, improving processes, and supporting both clients and team members with clear guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• Team leadership: Lead, support and develop the payroll team, maintaining high standards and encouraging ongoing learning.
• Payroll operations: Deliver accurate, compliant end-to-end payrolls across weekly, fortnightly and monthly cycles.
• CIS management: Oversee all aspects of CIS compliance, including submissions and client reporting.
• Pension compliance: Manage auto-enrolment responsibilities, including assessments, provider communication and regulatory reporting.
• Client support: Provide strategic advice on payroll matters, workforce planning and legislative changes.
• Complex calculations: Handle advanced payroll tasks such as statutory payments, terminations, bonuses and incentive schemes.
• Stakeholder liaison: Act as the main contact for HMRC, pension providers and other external bodies.

Qualifications and Experience

• Three to five years' experience in a senior payroll role, ideally within a bureau or multi-client environment.
• CIPP qualification or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, tax compliance and employment law.
• Confident with payroll systems; IRIS experience would be a benefit.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor a team.

Skills and Attributes

• Clear and confident communication skills.
• A client-focused approach and the ability to build strong working relationships.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving ability.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities.