Payroll Manager (Hybrid)

Michael Page Finance; City Of London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Michael Page Finance is seeking a Payroll Manager in London to oversee daily payroll activity within the Financial Services sector on a temporary basis. You will manage end-to-end payroll processes, ensure timely and accurate payments, and supervise multi-jurisdiction payroll operations.

You will partner with HR and Finance to align payroll with reward, benefits, and governance, delivering consistent reporting and process improvements.

Qualifications

• End-to-end payroll management with accurate and timely payments.
• Experience implementing HRIS/payroll systems in complex or international environments.
• Strong governance and compensation/reward understanding.
• Proven ability to drive process improvements in payroll operations.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll process and ensure accurate payments.
• Oversee payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions and ensure compliance with legislation.
• Be the primary contact for payroll queries and escalations.
• Lead payroll system administration, testing, and UAT.
• Manage payroll-related projects including system upgrades and transformations.
• Ensure payroll controls, reconciliations, and governance are robust.

Skills

SAP SuccessFactors

Payroll leadership

HRIS experience

Rewards governance

Process improvement

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Regulated environment

Job description

As a Payroll Manager in London, you will oversee day-to-day payroll activity within the Financial Services industry, helping the Accounting & Finance function run smoothly. You will keep payroll work organised and accurate throughout this temporary assignment.

Client Details

The organisation operates in the Financial Services industry in London.

Description

• Manage the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
• Oversee payroll operations across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with local legislation and statutory requirements.
• Act as the primary point of contact for payroll-related queries and escalations from employees, managers, and stakeholders.
• Lead payroll system administration, enhancements, testing, user acceptance testing (UAT), and process improvements.
• Manage payroll-related projects, including system implementations, upgrades, and transformation initiatives.
• Ensure payroll controls, governance, and reconciliations are robust and operating effectively.
• Maintain compliance with HMRC requirements, pension regulations, statutory payments, and relevant employment legislation.
• Manage relationships with payroll providers, software vendors, and external advisors.
• Oversee payroll data integrity, ensuring employee records are maintained accurately within payroll systems.
• Support annual salary review and bonus processes, ensuring accurate payroll execution and reporting.
• Prepare and review payroll reports, reconciliations, and management information for Finance and senior stakeholders.
• Develop, document, and maintain payroll policies, procedures, and process documentation.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll efficiency, controls, and employee experience through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Partner closely with HR and Finance teams to ensure smooth integration between payroll, reward, and people processes.
• Ensure payroll processes remain compliant with data protection requirements and internal governance standards.

Profile

• Recent experience with SAP SuccessFactors.
• Proven experience leading Payroll
• Experience implementing and managing HRIS and payroll systems, ideally within complex or international environments.
• Strong understanding of reward, benefits, compensation reviews, and associated governance.
• Demonstrated experience delivering operational transformation, process redesign, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence and partner with senior leaders.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience operating within a regulated, fast-growing, or complex business environment would be advantageous.

Job Offer

• Temporary contract.
• Daily pay of £270 to £350, dependent on the level of experience.
• Location: London.

People are at the heart of Michael Page. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment. As an inclusive recruiter we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. If you require any adjustments or accommodations during the recruitment process, we'll work with you to ensure you can perform at your best.