Payroll Manager

To lead the Payroll Department, ensuring the accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of payroll services to clients.

The Payroll Manager is responsible for overseeing payroll operations, managing client relationships, leading and developing team members, and ensuring compliance with payroll legislation, pension requirements, and internal quality standards.

The role requires effective resource planning, workflow management, technical leadership, and continuous improvement of payroll processes to support the firm’s strategic objectives and client service standards.

Department Leadership and Operational Management

• Manage the day-to-day operation of the Payroll Department, ensuring payroll services are delivered accurately, efficiently, and within agreed deadlines.
• Allocate work across the team to ensure resources are utilised effectively and service levels are maintained.
• Monitor departmental performance, workload capacity, and workflow management to ensure key deadlines, including client service standards, are consistently achieved.
• Lead departmental meetings and provide clear direction, support, and communication to the team.
• Support the development and implementation of departmental objectives, strategies, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Identify operational risks and implement appropriate controls and solutions.

Client Management and Business Development

• Act as a primary point of contact for complex payroll matters and escalated client queries.
• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, delivering a high standard of client service.
• Lead or participate in client meetings and payroll review discussions.
• Oversee the onboarding and implementation of new payroll clients, ensuring a smooth transition and effective project management.
• Support the firm’s business development activities by preparing payroll quotations and service proposals where required.
• Produce payroll communications, legislative updates, and client guidance materials.

Technical Oversight and Compliance

• Ensure all payrolls are processed in accordance with current payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, pension regulations, and internal procedures.
• Maintain oversight of payroll quality standards through review processes, spot checks, and quality assurance controls.
• Oversee compliance activities, including workplace pension requirements, auto-enrolment obligations, BACS controls, and payroll reporting requirements.
• Ensure appropriate procedures, controls, and documentation are maintained to support compliance and mitigate operational risk.
• Monitor changes in payroll legislation, software, and industry best practice, implementing updates and process improvements as required.
• Provide technical guidance and support to colleagues on complex payroll matters.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, support, and develop Payroll Supervisors, Analysts, Trainees, and other team members.
• Conduct work reviews and provide constructive feedback to support quality, performance, and professional development.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, training, succession planning, and employee development activities.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture.
• Identify training needs and facilitate technical knowledge sharing across the department.

Financial and Management Reporting

• Produce and review departmental management information, billing reports, and operational analysis.
• Maintain oversight of payroll systems, databases, and client records to ensure data integrity and accuracy.
• Monitor service delivery metrics and provide reporting to senior leadership as required.
• Contribute to budgeting, forecasting, and business planning activities relating to payroll services.

Professional Standards

• Maintain continuing professional development (CPD) and keep technical knowledge up to date.
• Demonstrate sound professional judgement and decision-making.
• Act as an ambassador for the firm, promoting its values, culture, and reputation both internally and externally.
• Support networking, client engagement, and wider business initiatives as appropriate.

Essential

• Relevant payroll qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Significant experience in payroll processing and payroll operations management.
• Thorough understanding of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, workplace pensions, and payroll compliance obligations.
• Experience managing multiple payrolls and client relationships within a payroll bureau, accountancy practice, or similar environment.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Excellent organisational and workload planning abilities.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to interpret legislation and apply technical payroll knowledge effectively.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong IT skills, including payroll software and Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Desirable

• CIPP qualification (or equivalent professional qualification).
• Experience leading payroll implementation or transition projects.
• Experience of process improvement, systems development, or operational change initiatives.
• Commercial awareness and understanding of payroll service delivery within a professional services environment.

To apply for this position, please send a CV and covering letter to Rachel Pottle: jobs@burgesshodgson.co.uk

Telephone: 01227 454627