Payroll Manager

W Talent; Workington, Carlisle; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Ownership of payroll function

Strong client exposure

Collaborative working environment

Career progression

Job summary

W Talent Finance, partnering with a respected Carlisle-based accountancy practice, is seeking a Payroll Manager to own end-to-end payroll for a diverse client portfolio. You will ensure accurate processing, regulatory compliance, and strong client service.

In this client-facing role, you will manage RTI submissions, pension auto-enrolment, and payroll system improvements while collaborating with internal teams to enhance workflows and service delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll for multiple clients.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, NI and pensions.
• Experience with Sage 50 or similar payroll software.
• High numerical accuracy with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for a portfolio of clients.
• Process starters, leavers, and payroll amendments.
• Submit RTI returns accurately and on time.
• Produce payroll reports and MI for clients; support invoicing.

Skills

Payroll management

UK payroll

Sage 50

Data accuracy

Client communication

Multi-client environment

Tools

Sage 50

Job description

Payroll Manager - Accountancy Practice

Workington - Cumbria

Competitive Salary + Excellent Benefits

About the Company

W Talent Finance is a specialist recruitment partner dedicated to placing high-calibre accounting professionals across both practice and commerce & industry markets worldwide. With a deep understanding of the finance landscape, we support clients ranging from leading professional services firms to established independent practices, delivering tailored talent solutions that drive business performance.

We are partnering with a highly regarded and well-established boutique accountancy practice based in Carlisle, providing a full range of services to owner-managed businesses, family companies, and individual clients across the region.

The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering accurate, reliable, and proactive financial support, with payroll forming a key part of its integrated client service offering.

The Role

As Payroll Manager, you will take ownership of the end-to-end payroll function for a diverse client portfolio, ensuring all payrolls are processed accurately, on time, and in full compliance with statutory requirements.

You will act as the key point of contact for payroll-related queries, delivering a high level of service to clients, employees, and internal stakeholders. Alongside day-to-day payroll delivery, you will also play a key role in maintaining system integrity, improving processes, and supporting the continued development of payroll services within the practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional looking to take full ownership of a busy, client-facing payroll function within a respected accountancy practice.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Delivery

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for a portfolio of clients
• Process starters, leavers, contract changes, tax code updates, and other payroll amendments
• Collate and input payroll data including timesheets, expenses, and variable payments
• Calculate statutory payments including SSP, SMP, SPP, and other leave-related entitlements
• Process salary sacrifice arrangements and other employee benefit schemes
• Apply annual pay reviews, increments, and cost of living adjustments

Compliance & Accuracy

• Ensure all payroll processes are fully compliant with HMRC regulations and statutory requirements
• Prepare and submit RTI returns to HMRC accurately and on time
• Manage pension submissions, including auto-enrolment processes and provider uploads
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure robust audit trails are in place
• Conduct regular reconciliations and system checks to ensure data integrity

Client Service & Communication

• Act as the main point of contact for payroll queries from clients and employees
• Provide clear, professional advice and support on payroll matters
• Respond promptly to enquiries via phone, email, and in person
• Produce payroll reports and management information for clients, including gross-to-net reporting
• Support billing processes through preparation of payroll-related client invoices

Systems & Process Management

• Maintain and update payroll procedures and guidance notes
• Work closely with internal teams to support payroll system updates, testing, and improvements
• Support the development of efficient payroll workflows and best practice processes
• Contribute to continuous improvement of payroll systems and service delivery

Governance & Reporting

• Maintain strong audit controls and support external audit requirements where needed
• Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures
• Provide payroll reporting and analysis to support client decision-making

About You

• Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll in a high-volume or multi-client environment
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, NI, tax, and pensions
• Confident using payroll systems (Sage 50 experience desirable)
• High level of numerical accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage deadlines effectively
• Excellent communication skills with a client-focused approach
• Comfortable working independently and taking ownership of a payroll function
• Positive, proactive, and service-oriented mindset

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to take ownership of a busy, varied payroll function
• Strong client exposure within a respected boutique practice in Carlisle
• Supportive and collaborative working environment
• Opportunity to contribute to process improvement and service development
• Long-term career stability with scope for progression