Senior Payroll Lead

VanRath; Lisburn; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading multinational organization seeks a Payroll Operations Lead to oversee payroll processing across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This role requires strong technical expertise and the ability to manage complex payroll systems while ensuring compliance with legal obligations. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment and contribute to process improvements, employee satisfaction, and financial planning.

Benefits

Competitive salary and excellent benefits package

Hybrid working environment

Supportive HR and finance teams

Qualifications

• At least 5 years' payroll processing experience with NI and ROI PAYE tax systems.
• Proven experience managing complex payroll systems.

Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for NI and ROI.
• Collaborate with HR and external consultants on system upgrades.
• Lead year-end reporting and payroll analysis.

Skills

Analytical

Problem Solving

Attention to Detail

Interpersonal Skills

Communication

Job description

Payroll Operations Lead

Do you have a strong track record in managing complex payroll operations with accuracy? Are you confident navigating ever-evolving legislation across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland? This is an opportunity to take on a leading role where your expertise will directly support employee experience and organisational compliance.

This is the ideal next step in your career!

What You'll Get

• Join a leading multinational organisation with an inclusive and dynamic culture
• Competitive salary and excellent benefits package
• Hybrid working environment with a focus on innovation and improvement
• Supportive and collaborative HR and finance teams

What You'll Do

As Payroll Operations Lead, you'll take full ownership of payroll processing across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Your expertise will ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time, while maintaining compliance with legal and tax obligations. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will:

• Manage end-to-end payroll processing for both NI and ROI, ensuring timeliness and accuracy.
• Authorise payroll payments (BACs/SEPA) and oversee submissions to HMRC and Irish Revenue.
• Collaborate with HR, Rewards, and external consultants on system upgrades, data changes, and project delivery.
• Reconcile payroll journals, prepare balance sheet entries, and manage internal reporting.
• Lead on year-end reporting, benefit-in-kind (BIK) processing, and share-related payroll reporting.
• Act as the first point of contact for payroll queries, fostering employee trust and satisfaction.
• Contribute to financial planning through insightful payroll analysis and reporting.
• Drive process improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with internal controls and changing legislation.

About You

You're a seasoned payroll professional who thrives in fast-paced, high-volume environments and brings deep technical expertise and a proactive approach. You'll have:

• At least 5 years' payroll processing experience, with in-depth knowledge of both NI and ROI PAYE tax systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with excellent attention to detail.
• Proven experience managing complex payroll systems and leading system testing.
• The ability to work autonomously and meet strict deadlines without compromising on accuracy.
• Experience in process improvement and change management.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

For further information on this vacancy, or any other Accountancy & Finance job in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Chanel Gillen in the strictest confidence.