This is an opportunity to take ownership of a critical function within a high-growth recruitment business where contractor volumes and contract revenue continue to scale.
As Pay & Bill Manager, you will play a central role in managing and evolving the end-to-end contractor payroll and client invoicing process across a contractor base of 280–320 and a turnover of approximately £35m-£40m.
Working closely with the Head of International Credit Management and alongside the Head of FP&A, this role offers strong visibility across the finance function and the opportunity to shape processes that directly impact cash flow, accuracy, and operational performance.
This is not a static role. It is suited to someone who wants to improve, streamline and build scalable processes in a fast-paced environment where volume, complexity and expectations are increasing.
Key Responsibilities
Contractor Payroll (Pay)
* Manage the monthly processing of contractor payroll (Inside and Outside IR35, umbrella and limited company contractors)
* Validate and approve contractor timesheets in line with client agreements
* Ensure accurate calculation of pay rates, margins and deductions
* Liaise with umbrella companies and external payroll providers where applicable
* Resolve contractor pay queries in a timely and professional manner
* Ensure compliance with relevant legislation including IR35, AWR and HMRC VAT requirements
* Generate self-bills and import payments into Xero, ensuring accurate reconciliation to company bank payments
* Coordinate payroll for US and European contractors via outsourced partners
Client Invoicing (Bill)
* Oversee accurate and timely invoicing of clients based on approved timesheets
* Manage PO-driven billing processes for consultancy and contractor projects
* Ensure correct charge rates, margins and contractual terms are applied
* Manage consolidated invoicing, self-billing and client-specific billing requirements
* Work closely with Credit Control to minimise billing errors and disputes
* Investigate and resolve invoice queries efficiently
General Finance and Internal Payroll
* Facilitate and calculate monthly internal payroll and commission payments via outsourced provider (IRIS)
* Reconcile contractor and staff payroll payments, including HMRC liabilities
* Process contractor and staff expenses
* Provide support to the Head of FP&A, including holiday cover
Process & Systems Management
* Own and continuously improve pay & bill processes to increase efficiency, scalability and control
* Maintain and optimise use of systems including Bullhorn and Xero
* Ensure data integrity across timesheet, payroll and invoicing platforms
* Support system improvements, upgrades and digitalisation initiatives
* Work closely with Compliance to manage non‑compliance issues and held payments
Compliance & Controls
* Maintain robust audit trails and ensure adherence to internal controls
* Monitor compliance with contractual terms and financial procedures
* Support internal and external audits
* Set and track KPIs including accuracy, turnaround times and query resolution
* Provide training and guidance to consultants and internal stakeholders
Stakeholder Engagement
* Act as the main point of contact for consultants on pay & bill queries
* Build strong working relationships with contractors, clients and internal teams
* Collaborate with Finance, Sales and Operations to ensure smooth end‑to‑end delivery
Key Requirements
Experience
* Proven experience in a pay & bill or contractor payroll role within a recruitment environment
* Strong understanding of timesheet processing, contractor payments and invoicing
* Experience managing high-volume contractor bases in a fast-paced setting
* Knowledge of IR35, AWR and contractor compliance requirements
* Experience using recruitment CRM and finance systems
Skills
* High level of accuracy and attention to detail
* Strong organisational and time management skills
* Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities
* Strong problem-solving and query resolution capability
* Confident communication and stakeholder management skills
* Experience in a recruitment or service-led business with turnover of £20m+
* Minimum 3 years’ experience in a Pay & Bill role
KPIs / Success Measures
* Timesheet accuracy and contractor utilisation
* On‑time payroll and invoicing completion
* Reduction in billing errors and disputes
* Query resolution timeContractor and margin reporting accuracy
* Effective management of contractor systems and platforms
Why This Role
* Key role supporting a growing contract revenue stream
* High visibility across finance and operations
* Opportunity to improve and shape core processes
* Direct exposure to senior stakeholders including Head of Credit Management and FP&A
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