Payroll Lead - Manager

Morgan McKinley; Cork; On-site; EUR 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Morgan McKinley is partnering with a Cork-based technology business to appoint a Payroll Manager to lead European payroll operations. The role suits a Senior Payroll Specialist or Team Lead stepping into management, with hands-on systems work and stakeholder engagement across finance and vendors.

Key focus includes multi-country oversight, GL interface, and ongoing system/process optimisation, while mentoring one direct report and driving continuous improvement across payroll platforms.

Qualifications

• Multi-Jurisdiction experience across European payrolls.
• GL capabilities: payroll accounting, journal entries, reconciliations.
• Vendor governance with external providers.
• Career ambition: transition into people management with hands-on involvement.
• Systems literacy with modern payroll/ERP platforms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee payroll across multiple European entities with statutory compliance.
• Manage relationships with payroll vendors and software partners.
• Interface payroll with GL: journal postings, month-end reconciliations, variance analysis.
• Mentor one direct report while remaining hands-on with operations.
• Lead system optimisation projects and platform integrations.

Skills

Multi-Country Payroll

GL accounting

Vendor governance

People leadership

Systems literacy

Tools

Workday

SAP

ADP

iiPay/Vistra

Job description

I am currently partnering with an established, technology business in Cork that is looking for an ambitious Payroll Manager to lead their European payroll operations.

This role is tailored for a talented Senior Payroll Specialist, Senior Analyst, or Team Lead ready to take that next career step into a managerial position. It offers the ideal balance: genuine leadership exposure, full regional ownership, and the ability to stay hands-on with systems, vendors, and finance stakeholders.

Previous experience of working with European Teams and also General Ledger exposure is essential for this position.

Key Focus Areas

• Multi-Country Oversight: Drive the execution and compliance of payroll across multiple European entities, ensuring accurate, timely delivery and strict statutory adherence.

• Vendor & Partner Management: Act as the main operational partner for third-party payroll providers and software vendors across Europe, monitoring SLAs and driving performance.

• General Ledger (GL) Exposure: Work closely with the corporate Finance and Accounting teams, managing the interface between payroll and the GL, including journal postings, month-end reconciliations, and variance analysis.

• Team Leadership: Mentor and develop one direct report, providing day-to-day guidance while maintaining an active, hands-on operational role.

• Systems & Process Optimisation: Partner with internal teams on system enhancement projects, platform integrations (e.g., iiPay/Vistra, Workday, SAP, ADP), and workflow automation.

Requirements:

• Multi-Jurisdiction Experience: Proven background managing or running payroll operations across multiple European countries.

• General Ledger (GL) Capabilities: Hands-on familiarity with payroll accounting, journal entries, and balance sheet reconciliations alongside finance teams.

• Vendor Governance: A strong track record of managing external managed-service providers and software partners.

• Career Ambition: Someone looking for a step up into people management who still enjoys direct operational involvement.

• Systems Literacy: Experience with modern payroll and ERP platforms.