Senior Payroll Executive

Robert Walters UK; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading media organisation is seeking a Senior Payroll Executive to ensure seamless payroll operations in Manchester. This role involves managing high-volume payroll cycles, maintaining compliance with UK payroll regulations, and collaborating with finance and HR teams. The ideal candidate will have at least 3 years of experience in payroll processing, a strong understanding of UK legislation, and excellent communication skills. The company promotes an inclusive culture and offers flexible working arrangements, making it an attractive workplace.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous pension contributions

Training opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing end-to-end UK payroll processes.
• Strong numerical skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to handle sensitive employee queries with empathy.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple payroll cycles accurately and on time.
• Ensure compliance with PAYE, NICs, and other regulations.
• Produce detailed payroll reports for stakeholders.
• Support month-end processes and reconciliations.
• Identify opportunities for payroll process improvements.

Skills

Managing end-to-end UK payroll processes

Understanding of UK payroll legislation (PAYE, NICs)

Handling complex high-volume payrolls

Producing detailed reports for finance

Excellent communication skills

Staying updated on legislative changes

Education

Proven experience as a Senior Payroll Executive

Job description

Overview

A leading media organisation in Manchester is seeking a Senior Payroll Executive to join their collaborative and supportive team. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to bring your expertise in payroll, HR processes, and compliance to a role that offers variety, responsibility, and the chance to make a real impact on both people and business outcomes.

As a Senior Payroll Executive working for this forward thnking media organisation based in Manchester you will play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless payroll operations for the organisation. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include managing high-volume payroll cycles from start to finish while maintaining strict adherence to UK legislation. You will work collaboratively with finance teams on reconciliations and reporting tasks while also supporting HR colleagues on workforce planning initiatives.

Key duties

• Manage multiple payroll cycles with precision and timeliness, ensuring all starters, leavers, amendments, and data changes are processed accurately.
• Verify payroll data meticulously before each run and troubleshoot any discrepancies to guarantee error-free results.
• Ensure full compliance with PAYE, National Insurance, pensions legislation, statutory payments (SSP/SMP), HMRC regulations, and internal policies.
• Produce detailed payroll reports for stakeholders and clearly explain any variances or queries that arise during processing.
• Collaborate closely with Finance to support accurate month-end processes and reconciliation activities.
• Stay up-to-date with legislative changes affecting payroll and implement necessary updates efficiently across systems and processes.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements within payroll operations and take initiative in implementing best practices.
• Act as the main point of contact for complex payroll queries from employees or managers, providing clear guidance with empathy and discretion.
• Conduct regular audits and risk assessments to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls.

Qualifications

Your proven experience as a Senior Payroll Executive will enable you to thrive in this multifaceted role. You will bring not only technical proficiency but also excellent interpersonal skills that allow you to build trust across teams. Your background should include hands-on management of complex UK payrolls—ideally within large organisations or those with high transaction volumes—where accuracy is paramount. You are comfortable navigating changing legislation and can translate regulatory requirements into practical solutions. Your analytical mindset ensures that you spot discrepancies.

You should have experience in the following areas:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing end-to-end UK payroll processes either certified or qualified by experience within a similar environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of UK payroll legislation including PAYE, NICs, Auto Enrolment pensions schemes, salary sacrifice arrangements, BACS payments, benefits in kind, SSP/SMP rules.
• Proven track record handling complex high-volume payrolls with strong numerical skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience producing detailed reports for finance teams; able to explain variances clearly using analytical thinking.
• Excellent communication skills with an empathetic approach when dealing with sensitive employee queries or confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to stay updated on legislative changes affecting payroll/HR practices and implement these effectively within systems/processes.

Benefits & culture

This organisation stands out for its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where every team member feels valued and supported. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements designed around individual needs as well as generous pension contributions that reflect long-term investment in staff wellbeing. The company places great emphasis on training opportunities so you can continue developing your skills throughout your career journey here.

How to apply

If you are ready to take your career forward in a rewarding Senior Payroll Executive role where your expertise truly matters—this is your moment!

Apply today by clicking on the link below—we look forward to connecting with you soon.

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates.

About the job

Contract Type: Permanent

Specialism: Human Resources

Focus: Other specialist positions

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Experience Level: Mid Management

Location: Manchester

Job Reference: GUZKED-1B7DD38A

Date posted: 27 January 2026

Consultant: Tunde Williams

northern-west human-resources/other-specialist-positions 2026-01-27 2026-03-28 accountancy Manchester Greater Manchester GB M3 3EB Robert Walters https://www.robertwalters.co.uk