Senior Payroll Manager

Darwin Hawkins; Kilkenny; On-site; EUR 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Darwin Hawkins is seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Manager in Ireland to take end-to-end ownership of payroll operations. You will ensure timely, accurate processing, compliance with Irish tax and employment laws, and collaboration with HR and finance.

The role offers visibility across the business, mentoring of junior staff, and opportunities to drive process improvements within finance and HR functions.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in payroll processing, ideally in a high-volume environment.
• Experience managing or mentoring junior team members.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Strong systems experience with payroll software and Excel.
• A proactive and solution-focused mindset.

Responsibilities

• End-to-end ownership of payroll processing ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Ensuring all payroll activities comply with Irish tax and employment legislation.
• Managing and supporting junior payroll staff where applicable.
• Identifying opportunities to streamline payroll processes and enhance efficiency.
• Liaising with HR, Finance, and external providers on payroll-related matters.
• Preparing payroll reports and reconciliations for senior management.
• Maintaining and improving payroll systems and controls.

Skills

5+ years payroll experience

Mentoring junior staff

Attention to detail

Excel proficiency

Proactive mindset

Tools

Payroll software

Excel

Job description

Job Title:

Senior Payroll Manager

Sector:

Industry Confidential

Location:

South East Ireland (Tipperary, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford)

Salary:

DOE

Our Client

Our client is a well-regarded and established organisation operating within a confidential industry. With a strong presence in the Irish market, they are known for their stability, high-performing teams, and commitment to operational excellence. The business continues to grow and evolve, offering a collaborative and professional working environment.

Why should you apply?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Payroll professional to take ownership of a key function within a well-structured organisation. You will play a critical role in ensuring accurate and efficient payroll operations while partnering with key stakeholders across the business.

The position offers strong visibility across the organisation, the opportunity to drive process improvements, and the chance to contribute to ongoing enhancements within the finance and HR functions. This is a great role for someone looking to take the next step in their career within a supportive and dynamic environment.

Who should apply?

This role will suit an experienced Payroll professional currently working in industry or practice who is looking to step into a managerial position or further develop their leadership experience.

• 5+ years’ experience in payroll processing, ideally in a high-volume environment
• Experience managing or mentoring junior team members
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills
• Strong systems experience with payroll software and Excel
• A proactive and solution-focused mindset

Role and Reporting Lines

Reporting to senior finance leadership, this role will sit within a collaborative finance function and will involve:

• End-to-end ownership of payroll processing ensuring accuracy and timeliness
• Ensuring all payroll activities comply with Irish tax and employment legislation
• Managing and supporting junior payroll staff where applicable
• Identifying opportunities to streamline payroll processes and enhance efficiency
• Liaising with HR, Finance, and external providers on payroll-related matters
• Preparing payroll reports and reconciliations for senior management
• Maintaining and improving payroll systems and controls