Payroll Manager

Global CTS Recruitment; Oxford; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to oversee payroll operations in Thame. This hybrid role entails managing complex payrolls for over 300 employees and mentoring the payroll team. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of payroll experience, preferably in a bureau or accountancy setting, alongside strong compliance and process improvement skills. This leadership role promises career development opportunities as part of succession planning for the team.

Qualifications

• 5+ years payroll experience in a management/senior role.
• Experience within a payroll bureau or accountancy practice.
• Track record of managing large payrolls of 300+ employees.
• Strong knowledge of employee pension administration.
• Experience of payroll software transitions or major project work.

Responsibilities

• Lead, oversee, and deliver accurate weekly and monthly payrolls.
• Manage payroll for multiple clients with complex payrolls of 300+ employees.
• Conduct regular audits to maintain high levels of accuracy.
• Resolve complex payroll queries professionally.
• Ensure compliance with legislation and internal controls.

Skills

Payroll management

Team leadership

Process improvement

Compliance knowledge

Education

CIPP qualification or studying towards

Tools

Payroll software

HMRC guidelines knowledge

Job description

Payroll Manager £50,000- £55,000 Thame Hybrid Full Time

Join a growing team where precision meets people-first culture.

We are seeking an accomplished Payroll Manager to lead our busy payroll function during a period of planned departmental transition. With a key colleague due to retire within the next 1 2 years, this role forms a crucial part of our succession planning strategy, offering the successful candidate genuine long-term career development and the opportunity to step into broader leadership responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will bring significant payroll expertise (5+ years preferred), including experience within a payroll bureau or accountancy practice, and a proven ability to manage large and complex payrolls of 300+ employees. You will have a strong track record in leading payroll teams, improving processes, and delivering a highly accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll service. CIPP qualification is preferred, or you may be working towards completion. Strong knowledge of employee pension administration, including monthly scheme submissions, is essential.

This is a hands‑on, leadership‑focused position suited to someone who thrives on responsibility, continuous improvement, and delivering an exceptional service to both clients and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, oversee, and deliver accurate weekly and monthly payrolls
  Maintain full responsibility for payroll inputs: starters, leavers, salary changes, absence calculations, and employee data updates
  Manage payroll for multiple clients, including high-volume and complex payrolls of 300+ employees
  Provide expert guidance on payroll legislation, compliance, and policy development

• Manage, mentor, and develop the payroll team, ensuring high standards of performance

• Support a structured transition of duties as part of succession planning, including knowledge transfer from a colleague preparing for retirement

• Oversee staff training, development plans, and the introduction of new team members

• Ensure all payroll processes comply with legislation, HMRC guidelines, and internal controls

• Conduct regular audits and reviews to maintain high levels of accuracy and compliance

• Stay up to date with changes in payroll law and implement improvements where required

• Maintain thorough records and documentation across all payrolls

• Resolve complex payroll queries professionally and efficiently

• Lead onboarding for new payroll clients and ensure smooth integration

• Build strong working relationships with clients, HR teams, finance colleagues, and external bodies

• Represent the payroll function in meetings, audits, and process reviews

• Manage employee pension administration, including monthly submissions and compliance monitoring
  Oversee statutory reporting (SSP, SMP, SPP, PAYE, NI) and end‑of‑year tasks
  Support the preparation and submission of P11D forms

• Lead or support payroll system upgrades or migrations

• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve efficiency

• Support business development by introducing new payroll clients where suitable

What We’re Looking For:

• 5+ years payroll experience in a management/senior role

• Experience within a payroll bureau or accountancy practice (essential)

• A track record of successfully managing large payrolls of 300+ employees

• CIPP qualified (preferred) or studying towards

• Strong knowledge of employee pension administration, including monthly submissions

• Experience of payroll software transitions or major project work

• Strong technical payroll knowledge, including statutory payments and tax requirements