Senior Payroll Manager - Lead & Optimize UK Payroll

Clear Legal & Financial Recruitment; Southampton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Clear Legal & Financial Recruitment in Southampton is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead and develop the payroll function for a growing accountancy practice. You will own the payroll operations, manage a team of Payroll Supervisors, ensure accurate and compliant processing, and build strong client relationships while identifying efficiency improvements.

Lead, coach and develop the payroll team, oversee compliance, and continuously review processes and systems to drive service

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing payroll services within an accountancy practice, bureau, or busy payroll environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, PAYE, pensions, statutory payments, and compliance.
• Experience leading and developing payroll teams.
• Strong client relationship and communication skills.
• Commercial and proactive approach with a focus on service delivery.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail.
• Experience with Staffology payroll software would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of end-to-end payroll services across weekly, fortnightly, monthly, and annual payroll cycles
• Manage and oversee payroll processing, ensuring deadlines and compliance requirements are met
• Act as a key contact for clients, providing payroll advice and resolving queries
• Support new client onboarding and ensure smooth payroll transitions
• Oversee PAYE, HMRC submissions, auto-enrolment, pensions, and CIS compliance
• Work closely with internal teams to identify opportunities and enhance payroll services
• Manage billing processes and support client retention and growth
• Lead, coach, and develop Payroll Supervisors and wider team members
• Review and improve payroll processes, systems, and workflows

Skills

Payroll management

Team leadership

UK payroll legislation

PAYE & HMRC compliance

Pensions & statutory payments

Client relationship skills

Process improvement

Staffology payroll software

Tools

Staffology payroll software

Job description

Clear Legal & Financial Recruitment in Southampton is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead and develop the payroll function for a growing accountancy practice. You will own the payroll operations, manage a team of Payroll Supervisors, ensure accurate and compliant processing, and build strong client relationships while identifying efficiency improvements.

Lead, coach and develop the payroll team, oversee compliance, and continuously review processes and systems to drive service