Payroll Manager

Reed; Marlborough; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Reed in Marlborough is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead the end-to-end payroll and pensions function on a 6 months fixed term contract. The role focuses on accurate processing, regulatory compliance and audit readiness, while maintaining secure HR records.

The successful candidate will oversee payroll administration, pensions, and reporting, ensuring timeliness and accuracy, and acting as the payroll SME across staff groups. A strong knowledge of HMRC rules and GDPR is essential.

Qualifications

• CIPP qualification or working towards one.
• Extensive experience managing end-to-end payroll.
• Experience administering multiple pension schemes.
• Understanding of HMRC regulations, statutory payments and payroll legislation.

Responsibilities

• Manage the full monthly payroll cycle for all staff groups.
• Prepare, verify and process payroll changes including starters, leavers, variations, overtime, allowances and statutory payments.
• Ensure RTI submissions, PAYE, National Insurance, and all HMRC requirements are completed accurately and on time.
• Reconcile monthly payroll reports and control accounts, investigate discrepancies and implement corrective actions.
• Produce monthly payroll journals for upload to the Finance system and maintain payroll records under GDPR.
• Administer all School pension schemes including TPS and other arrangements, managing auto-enrolment and annual audits.

Skills

Payroll management

Pensions administration

UK HMRC compliance

GDPR knowledge

Stakeholder communication

Education

CIPP qualification

Working towards CIPP

Tools

HRIS systems

Payroll software

Job description

Do you have previous experience in processing and managing the whole payroll process and payroll team?

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to join a well-established organisation in Marlborough on a 6 months fixed term contract basis. This role is crucial for leading, managing and administering the end-to-end payroll and pensions function, ensuring accurate, secure and timely processing in compliance with statutory, regulatory and audit requirements. The postholder will act as the subject matter expert for payroll and pensions ensuring compliance, providing high-quality support to staff, and maintaining accurate financial and HR records.

Duration: 6 months fixed term contract

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Payroll Administration

• Manage the full monthly payroll cycle for all staff groups
• Prepare, verify and process all payroll changes including starters, leavers, contractual variations, overtime, allowances and statutory payments.
• Ensure RTI submissions, statutory deductions, PAYE, National Insurance, Apprenticeship Levy and all HMRC requirements are completed accurately and on time.
• Reconcile monthly payroll reports and control accounts, investigate discrepancies and ensure corrective actions are taken.
• Produce monthly and annual payroll journals for upload to the Finance system.
• Develop and maintain robust internal controls to ensure payroll integrity and audit readiness
• Maintain secure and accurate payroll records in accordance with GDPR.
• Provide support for annual statutory audit

Pensions Administration

• Administer all School pension schemes, including:
  
  • Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS)
  • Defined contribution or group personal pension arrangements
• Ensure accurate contribution calculations, monthly returns and statutory submissions.
• Manage auto-enrolment processes and re-enrolment cycles in line with legislation.
• Prepare annual pension audit data, respond to auditor queries and ensure compliance with scheme rules.
• Act as the internal expert on TPS, ensuring compliance with scheme rules
• Provide guidance to employees on pension processes (not formal financial advice).

Compliance & Reporting

• Ensure all payroll and pensions processes comply with employment law, HMRC regulations, TPS guidance and statutory deadlines.
• Prepare year-end reports including P60s, P11Ds, Teachers' Pensions EOYC and other statutory statements.
• Support the development and upkeep of payroll and pensions policies and guidance, ensuring best practice and continuous improvement.
• Support safeguarding compliance by understanding and upholding confidentiality and safer recruitment requirements.

Systems & Process Improvement

• Lead a review and redesign of payroll workflows to eliminate manual steps and improve efficiency
• Assist with system changes, upgrades, or implementation of new payroll or HRIS solutions where required.
• Develop and maintain efficient workflows, checklists and controls to ensure robust payroll governance.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance and IT to optimise data flows and system integration

Required Skills & Qualifications:

• CIPP qualification or working towards one
• Extensive experience managing end-to-end payroll
• Experience administering multiple pension schemes
• Understanding of HMRC regulations, statutory payments and payroll legislation