£44,500
Full-Time
Birmingham
We are seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to lead the delivery of a large, complex end-to-end payroll operation. This senior position requires strong technical expertise, confident leadership, and the ability to drive accuracy, compliance, and continuous improvement across the payroll function.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage the full end-to-end processing of a high-volume monthly payroll, including data validation, payments, and statutory reporting.
- Oversee payroll system administration (iTrent or similar), including upgrades, maintenance, and development.
- Ensure full compliance with UK payroll legislation: PAYE, NI, pensions, statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP, SAP) and internal audit requirements.
- Lead on P11D processing and benefits-in-kind reporting.
- Develop, review, and implement payroll policies, procedures, and controls to ensure consistency and efficiency.
- Manage and develop a team, building resilience, capability, and a strong performance culture.
- Act as an escalation point for payroll queries from internal staff and external stakeholders.
- Support senior leadership with planning, prioritisation, and operational decision-making.
- Identify and drive system/process improvements, including automation and workflow optimisation.
- Oversee payroll deductions, benefits, over/underpayments, ensuring timely and accurate resolution.
- Lead month-end and year-end payroll processes including reconciliations and audit requirements.
- Ensure payroll journals and liabilities are accurately recorded and reported.
- Keep fully up to date with payroll legislation, implementing changes appropriately.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism when handling sensitive data.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion within the team and wider organisation.
- Minimum 3+ years' experience in a payroll management role overseeing a medium or large UK payroll function.
- CIPP qualified (or equivalent recognised payroll qualification).
- Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation including PAYE, NI, pensions, statutory payments, P11D, and benefits-in-kind.
- Experience using iTrent or a similar payroll system.
- Proven leadership skills with experience coaching, motivating, and developing teams.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Ability to improve processes and maintain robust controls.
- Highly organised, proactive, and able to work under pressure to tight deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Confident user of Microsoft Excel and broader MS Office tools.
- High levels of integrity, accuracy, and professionalism.
