Senior Payroll Manager

Ifac Ireland; Kilkenny; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Market-leading compensation and bonus

Generous annual leave

Hybrid/Blended work arrangement

Bike to work scheme

Employee assistance programme

Job summary

Ifac Ireland is seeking a Senior Payroll Manager to lead outsourced payroll services for a diverse client base in Kilkenny. You will oversee two Payroll Managers and a Specialist team, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and service excellence while strengthening client relationships and collaboration with internal partners.

The role emphasizes leadership, project delivery, and continuous improvement, with opportunities to influence payroll strategy and technology adoption across the practice.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years payroll experience with 3–5 years in a senior role.
• Proven track record leading outsourced payroll projects.
• IPASS and related payroll compliance knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead two Payroll Managers and a team of Specialists.
• Oversee accurate, timely payroll delivery across clients.
• Ensure compliance with statutory requirements and SLAs.
• Manage client relationships and cross-functional projects.
• Drive automation and process improvements in payroll services.
• Support budgeting, pricing, and business development opportunities.

Skills

Payroll leadership

Stakeholder management

Automation knowledge

Team leadership

Education

Third-level qualification in Payroll/HR/Finance

IPASS qualification

Tools

Payroll software

HRIS

Job description

Recruitment: Senior Payroll Manager

Do you want to be valued, make an impact, and achieve your potential?

We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Manager to join our HR & Payroll Services team in Kilkenny. We provide an exciting environment where you can grow your skills while making an impact in a fast-growing organisation committed to helping great clients build profitable sustainable businesses.

The Role

The Senior Payroll Manager will lead the delivery of outsourced payroll services to a diverse client base, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and service excellence. With responsibility for two Payroll Managers and a team of Specialists, the role requires strong leadership, stakeholder management, and a collaborative approach.

About Ifac

Founded in 1975, Ifac is Ireland's specialist professional services firm for the farming, food, agri, and family business sectors. We are an award-winning employer and one of Ireland's Top Ten Accountancy firms. Ifac is also one of Ireland’s Top 200 Employers 2025 as listed by the Irish Independent in partnership with Statista, and a PrimeGlobal member firm. As Ireland's largest farming, food, and agribusiness professional services firm, ifac is proud to be certified as a B Corporation (B Corp).

Our Purpose

Ifac's purpose is to help its clients to build profitable sustainable futures, so that people and communities across Ireland can thrive.

Our Ambition

With a strong focus on global best practice, Ifac has set its ambition to be a global leader in agrifood advisory, while also driving growth and excellence in Ireland's dynamic SME sector.

Why Join Ifac?

At Ifac, we are more than just a workplace – we are a community of professionals committed to growth, innovation, and sector leadership. When you join our team, you’ll have the opportunity to:

• Work with industry-leading experts and clients in Ireland’s farming, food, agribusiness, and SME sectors.
• Be part of a values-driven culture emphasising collaboration, commitment, energy, respect, and foresight.
• Build a great career, help us achieve our ambitions and help shape the future of Ireland’s business landscape.
• Enjoy a competitive compensation package, including performance-based bonuses and significant opportunities for professional growth.

Making an impact

We build strong client connections through great service, sectoral expertise, and deep engagement. Many of our clients have been with us for generations and we have helped those families build and retain wealth, transition assets, and optimize opportunities. Operating within a culture that is both collaborative and client focused, the Senior Payroll Manager will foster partnership, innovation, and accountability to deliver operational excellence and strategic value.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Management:
• Lead, inspire, and develop two Payroll Managers and a team of Payroll Specialists, embedding a collaborative and client focused culture.
• Promote knowledge sharing, professional growth, and a supportive team environment.
• Drive performance management, succession planning, and employee engagement initiatives.
• Payroll Operations & Compliance:
• Oversee the accurate and timely delivery of multiple client payrolls in line with SLAs and compliance obligations.
• Ensure adherence to all statutory requirements.
• Manage, and payroll reporting, while serving as the escalation point for complex payroll matters.
• Manage own portfolio of clients.
• Stakeholder & Relationship Management:
• Build strong, trust-based relationships with external clients, acting as a senior point of contact and advisor.
• Collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders, including Local Offices, Partners, HR, IT ensuring payroll operations align with business priorities.
• Proactively address client and internal stakeholder needs, ensuring seamless service delivery and high satisfaction levels.
• Strategy, Projects & Continuous Improvement:
• Contribute to the strategic development of the payroll offering, supporting business growth and service innovation.
• Champion automation, technology adoption, and process improvements that enhance efficiency and quality.
• Lead and participate in cross functional projects, including payroll system implementations and compliance driven initiatives.
• Monitor and report on operational KPIs, driving continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Financial & Commercial Management:
• Support budgeting, resource planning, and cost management within the payroll function.
• Contribute to client proposals, pricing models, and business development opportunities.

You will have:

• 8–10 years payroll experience, with at least 3–5 years in a senior management capacity.
• Proven track record in leading projects, including system implementations or process transformations.
• Demonstrated success in managing outsourced payroll services for multiple clients.
• Third-level qualification in Payroll, HR, Finance, or a related discipline is required.
• IPASS qualification is essential.
• Expert knowledge of payroll legislation, compliance, and best practice.
• Strong leadership capability, with experience of managing managers and large teams.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels internally and externally.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills, fostering teamwork across functions and geographies.
• Commercially astute, with a focus on client retention, growth, and service quality.
• Proven ability to deliver on complex projects and drive continuous improvement.
• High integrity, discretion, and professionalism when handling sensitive data.

Rewards

Our Senior Payroll Manager will receive;

• Market-leading compensation and benefits package.
• Substantial employer pension contribution.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Supportive family orientated workplace policies.
• Blended WFH.
• Opportunities for internal growth and development.
• Access to a bike to work scheme.
• Access to an employee assistance programme.
• Well-being benefits, including the Digital Doctor programme.
• Regular wellness, social, and charity activities throughout the year.
• Voucher at Christmas.