Payroll Manger

Portfolio Group (Canada); Greater London; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Portfolio Group in Central London is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead the UK payroll function on an ongoing temporary basis. You will own end-to-end UK payroll for multiple entities, ensuring timely, accurate processing and full HMRC compliance in a fast-paced, interdisciplinary team.

Candidates should have 5+ years in UK payroll, strong HMRC knowledge, and leadership experience within a matrix organisation. This role emphasizes accuracy, controls, and stakeholder collaboration.

Qualifications

• 5+ years' experience in a UK payroll role, preferably in construction.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC processes.
• Experience with payroll systems and external providers.
• Proven leadership or management experience in a payroll function.

Responsibilities

• Own and manage end-to-end UK payroll for group entities (weekly/monthly).
• Maintain compliance with PAYE, NIC, RTI, and year-end reporting.
• Monitor regulatory changes and implement process updates.
• Document and apply payroll policies; ensure internal controls.
• Align payroll outputs with accounting standards and reporting.
• Oversee cost calculations: wages, bonuses, benefits, pensions.
• Lead and develop the UK payroll team; be escalation point.

Skills

UK payroll legislation

HMRC processes

Payroll accounting & controls

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Education

CIPP Qualification (Level 5)

Tools

MHR iTrent

Job description

We are pleased to be working with an international company based in Central London, My client is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager on an ongoing temporary basis.

This is a great opportunity to join a fast-paced payroll department with the performance and competence as well as their ability and willingness to work in an interdisciplinary team are the basis of our success. In line with the constantly changing conditions in this dynamically growing Group.To strengthen the payroll department.

Duties

• Own and manage the end‑to‑end UK payroll process (monthly/weekly) for the entities of the Group in UK, ensuring accuracy and on‑time delivery
• Ensure full compliance with UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements, including PAYE, NIC, RTI submissions, statutory payments, and year‑end reporting (P60, P11D, PSA) and IR35 (Off‑Payroll Working) legislation
• Monitor regulatory changes and assess their impact on payroll processes and controls
• Ensure payroll policies and procedures are documented, maintained, and consistently applied
• Ensure payroll outputs align with accounting standards and internal control requirements which includes month‑end and year‑end closing activities related to payroll and personnel costs
• Oversee personnel cost calculations, including wages & salaries, bonuses, benefits, pensions, and employer contributions
• Provide payroll‑related data and analysis for budgeting, forecasting, and internal reporting
• Ensure consistency of payroll cost data with internal reporting and applicable methodologies
• Oversee administration of UK pensions (auto‑enrolment), benefits in kind, and salary sacrifice arrangements
• Ensure correct payroll treatment of benefits, deductions, and statutory schemes
• Act as the primary contact for internal and external audits related to UK payroll and personnel costs
• Prepare audit documentation and respond to payroll‑related audit findings
• Act as an escalation point for complex payroll queries and employee matters
• Lead, manage, and develop the UK payroll team

Qualifications

• Proven record of at least 5-year experience in a similar role (preferable Construction Industry) in the UK or CIPP Qualification (minimum Level 5)
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC processes
• Solid understanding of payroll accounting, reconciliations, and controls
• Experience working with payroll systems (preferable MHR iTrent) and third‑party providers
• Prior people management experience (or strong leadership exposure)
• Experience in an international or matrix organisation
• Expert knowledge of UK payroll and compliance
• High attention to detail and strong risk awareness
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines
• Confident communicator with employees, auditors, and senior management
• Discretion and integrity when handling confidential information

The Portfolio Group are acting on behalf of our client in recruiting for this position.