Payroll Manager

The Lady Accountant Limited; Magherafelt; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A modern accountancy firm in Magherafelt is seeking a Payroll Manager to lead their payroll team. The position involves overseeing payroll processes for over 300 clients, ensuring compliance with UK legislation, and fostering client relationships. The ideal candidate will have experience in a similar role and be proficient with payroll software. The firm offers a competitive salary and a supportive working environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

33 days annual leave

Free on-site parking

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Experienced in managing a payroll team in a bureau or accountancy firm.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory payments.
• Comfortable using payroll software.

Responsibilities

• Lead the payroll team and manage workloads.
• Oversee client payrolls ensuring accuracy.
• Act as the main contact for all payroll queries.

Skills

Managing a payroll team

UK payroll legislation

Using payroll software

Building client relationships

Organisational skills

Attention to detail

Tools

BrightPay

Job description

Payroll Manager

Location: Magherafelt (Office Based, Full-Time)

Salary: £30,000 – £40,000 per annum

Annual Leave: 33 days (including bank holidays)

About Us

The Lady Accountant is a fast-growing, modern accountancy and advisory firm based in Magherafelt. We are proud to support over 500 clients across Northern Ireland and the UK with expert financial, payroll services.

As we expand, we are now seeking an experienced and client-focused Payroll Manager to lead our internal payroll team and ensure timely, accurate delivery of weekly and monthly payrolls for our growing client base.

The Role

This is a key leadership position within our firm. You will manage a busy payroll department, oversee all client payrolls, handle queries with professionalism, and ensure we maintain a high standard of compliance, accuracy, and service.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a client-focused environment, can manage and develop a small team, and is confident leading a high-volume, deadline-driven function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the payroll team, managing workloads and supporting staff development
• Oversee all weekly and monthly client payrolls (300+ clients), ensuring accuracy and compliance
• Act as the main point of contact for all client payroll queries
• Manage end-to-end payroll processes including pensions, PAYE, and statutory calculations (SSP, SMP, etc.)
• Ensure all payroll deadlines are met and internal systems are up to date
• Liaise with HMRC and other third parties where required
• Collaborate with the wider team (HR, accounts, tax) to deliver a seamless client experience
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes and client service
• Provide regular reports and updates to senior leadership

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in managing a payroll team in a bureau, accountancy firm, or fast-paced payroll setting
• Confident working directly with clients and building strong professional relationships
• Strong in UK payroll legislation, with up-to-date knowledge of PAYE, auto-enrolment, and statutory payments
• Process-driven, organised, and able to handle deadlines across large volumes of work
• Comfortable using payroll software (we use BrightPay, but experience with other platforms is welcome)
• A natural leader with great attention to detail and excellent communication skills

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of £30,000 – £40,000 depending on experience
• Office-based role in Magherafelt
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Free on-site parking
• A supportive and professional working environment
• Opportunities to grow with the firm and help shape the future of our payroll offering

Equal Opportunities

The Lady Accountant is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and supportive workplace.