Robert Half are delighted to be partnering with an exciting organisation to recruit a seasoned and detail-oriented Payroll Manager to lead payroll operations in partnership with the Payroll Coordinator. This pivotal role demands full ownership of the payroll function, ensuring accurate, timely, and compliant processing from gross to net. The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in payroll legislation, accounting fundamentals, and benefits administration, along with advanced Excel proficiency.
Salary up to £55,000
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Processing (Gross to Net)
* Manage the end-to-end monthly payroll cycle for all employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
* Calculate and process all payroll elements including salaries, bonuses, overtime, and statutory deductions (e.g. PAYE, NI, student loans, AEOs).
* Reconcile payroll data, investigate discrepancies, and resolve queries promptly.
* Maintain accurate records for starters, leavers, and employee changes.
* Ensure payroll records are up-to-date, auditable, and securely stored.
Auto-Enrolment & Pensions
* Administer the company's Auto-Enrolment pension scheme, including contributions, opt-ins, and opt-outs.
* Liaise with pension providers to ensure timely data submissions and payments.
* Maintain compliance documentation and support audit processes.
Accounting & Reconciliation
* Perform payroll reconciliations against the general ledger.
* Prepare and post payroll journals and accruals.
* Support month-end and year-end close activities related to payroll.
* Provide clear explanations of payroll-related accounting entries to finance stakeholders.
Expenses & Benefits Administration
* Process employee expenses in line with company policy.
* Manage payroll-related benefits including relocation packages, private medical insurance, and company car schemes.
* Ensure accurate and timely submission of P11D and PSA reports.
* Oversee RSU taxation and reporting mechanisms.
Compliance & Statutory Reporting
* Ensure full compliance with HMRC regulations including PAYE, NI, SSP, SMP, and other statutory obligations.
* Manage IR35 compliance and Gender Pay Gap reporting.
* Submit all statutory returns (FPS, EPS) accurately and on schedule.
* Stay informed of legislative changes and ensure payroll practices remain compliant.
* Produce payroll reports for internal stakeholders and senior management.
️ Systems & Data Integrity
* Maintain and optimise the Civica People Hub payroll system.
* Safeguard the confidentiality and integrity of payroll data.
* Ensure system accuracy and troubleshoot issues as needed.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Act as the primary contact for payroll-related queries from employees and management.
* Collaborate effectively with HR, Finance, and external bodies including HMRC and pension providers.
* Support internal teams with payroll insights and reporting.
Skills & Experience
* Minimum 3-5 years' experience in a Payroll Manager or Senior Payroll Officer role with full-cycle payroll responsibility.
* Proven expertise in Auto-Enrolment pension scheme administration.
* Strong grasp of gross-to-net payroll calculations and statutory deductions.
* Solid understanding of accounting principles and payroll journal entries.
* Advanced Excel skills (including VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, and complex formulas).
* Experience in managing employee expenses and benefits, including P11D and PSA reporting.
* Up-to-date knowledge of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
* Familiarity with Civica payroll software and Workday is highly desirable.
* Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
* Ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines.
* Clear and confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
* High level of discretion and integrity when handling sensitive information.
Qualifications
* CIPP qualification is advantageous but not mandatory
Robert Half Ltd acts as an employment business for temporary positions and an employment agency for permanent positions. Robert Half is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Suitable candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. Rates of pay and salary ranges are dependent upon your experience, qualifications and training. If you wish to apply, please read our Privacy Notice describing how we may process, disclose and store your personal data: roberthalf.com/gb/en/privacy-notice.