Payroll Manager

Jmf Associates; Orpington; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

JMF Associates are partnering with a growing Accountancy Practice seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to own a busy payroll function, delivering over 500 client payrolls and supervising one Payroll Administrator.

This hands-on leadership role suits someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, maintains accuracy, and builds strong client relationships while ensuring compliance with UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing high-volume, multi-client payrolls within Accountancy Practice environments.
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation and HMRC processes.
• Experience leading and developing staff within a small team structure.
• Excellent communication skills with a client-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end processing of over 500 client payrolls, ensuring deadlines are met.
• Lead, support and develop one payroll staff member, providing guidance and oversight.
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and statutory reporting.
• Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations and internal controls.
• Act as the main point of contact for client queries and resolve issues promptly.
• Prepare and submit RTI, pension contributions and year-end returns (P60s, P11Ds).
• Collaborate with internal teams to support wider business operations.

Skills

Payroll management

UK payroll legislation

Staff development

Client relationships

Attention to detail

Tools

Sage

BrightPay

IRIS Payroll

Job description

JMF Associates are partnering with a growing Accountancy Practice that is seeking an experienced and highly organised Payroll Manager to take ownership of their busy payroll function, overseeing the delivery of over 500 client payrolls and managing one Payroll Administrator. This is a hands-on leadership role suited to someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, maintains exceptional accuracy, and enjoys building strong client relationships.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end processing of over 500 client payrolls, ensuring all deadlines are met.
• Lead, support, and develop one member of payroll staff, providing guidance and quality oversight.
• Ensure compliance with all UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, and statutory reporting.
• Oversee payroll audits, reconciliations, and internal controls.
• Act as the main point of contact for client queries, providing expert advice and resolving issues promptly.
• Maintain and improve payroll processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Prepare and submit RTI, pension contributions, and year-end returns, including P60s and P11Ds.
• Work closely with internal teams to support wider business operations.

It is expected that the Payroll Manager will:

• Proven experience managing high-volume, multi-client payrolls within Accountancy Practice environments.
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation and HMRC processes.
• Confident leading and developing staff, even within a small team structure.
• Excellent communication skills with a client-focused approach.
• High level of accuracy, organisation, and problem-solving ability.
• Experience with payroll software (e.g., Sage, BrightPay, Iris, etc.) is highly desirable.