Michael Page are looking for an experienced National Payroll Lead Director to lead and transform payroll operations across the UK and offshore delivery centres. You will be responsible for strategic leadership, operational oversight, compliance, client relationships, team development, ensuring efficient, compliant and scalable payroll services.
Client Details
This is an opportunity to lead a national payroll function in a highly respected, people-focused firm. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping payroll strategy, improving processes, and mentoring a talented team while making a real difference to clients and colleagues.
Description
The key responsibilities of a National Payroll Lead Director will include:
Strategic Leadership and Governance
* Steer the national payroll service line, aligning strategy across offices.
* Own and evolve the end-to-end payroll operating model.
* Lead change, transformation, and automation initiatives.
* Define and implement payroll offshoring strategy in collaboration with leadership.
* Represent payroll in firm-wide governance, advisory panels, and market forums.
* Oversee payroll vendor relationships and system performance.
Operational Oversight
* Monitor and manage payroll team performance (UK & offshore).
* Rebalance workload between onshore and offshore teams."n
* Manage outsourced bureau operations and ensure compliance.
* Handle escalations, complex queries, and high-risk payroll matters.
* Approve payroll reports and ensure quality control across offices.
Compliance & Risk Management
* Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation (HMRC, RTI, pensions, GDPR).
* Maintain payroll offshoring risk framework, business continuity, and quality assurance.
* Monitor engagement risks and ensure consistent onshore/offshore delivery.
Client Relationship and Advisory
* Maintain senior client relationships, acting as the primary contact for key clients.
* Advise on payroll software, compliance, and operational efficiency.
* Handle sensitive client scenarios and ensure satisfaction at all times.
Systems and Data Management
* Implementing and upgrading payroll systems, ensuring they meet operational and compliance needs and are compatible with other required platforms, and are suitable for offshore delivery.
* Evaluate and implement new technologies, to improve efficiency and reporting, including automation that reduces UK processing effort and supports offshore scale.
* Managing data integrity, including client codes, KYC procedures, and engagement documentation, ensuring appropriate controls for offshore access and processing.
* Driving reporting improvements, such as timesheet tracking, billing metrics, and KPI dashboards, including offshore utilisation, and quality.
Team Leadership and Development
* Lead and mentor UK and offshore payroll teams.
* Foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
* Support staff career progression, including transitions to advisory or specialist roles.
* Develop offshore training pathways and uplift team capability.
Profile
The successful National Payroll Lead Director will have:
* Proven experience leading national or multi-regional payroll functions within an Accountancy practice or Bureau.
* Experience managing high-volume payroll bureaus or offshore delivery centres.
* Track record of end-to-end payroll operating model ownership, including offshore teams.
* Strong background in payroll compliance, HMRC legislation, pensions, RTI, GDPR, and statutory reporting.
* Experience in payroll transformation, digitisation, and adoption of new technologies.
* Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
* Ability to manage complex escalations and high-risk payroll issues.
Job Offer
* A salary up to £90,000 per annum + bonus
* Hybrid working - 3 days in office, 2 days working from home
* 37.5 hours working week with flexible start and finish times
* 33 days holidays including bank holidays with option to buy and sell 5 per year
* Genuine opportunities to progress and scale within a top Accountancy firm
* Group life assurance and pension
* Exclusive discounts
* Employee Assistance Programmes
* Plus much more
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