Business Support Manager
About the Role
We are looking for a highly organised and proactive Payroll Services Manager to join our Finance Team within a Group that provides specialist education, residential care, and supported accommodation for children and young people with additional needs.
The Payroll Services Manager will oversee the end-to-end delivery of payroll services across three business lines, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payment. This role is also responsible for managing employee expense compliance, business-related driving checks, and supporting short-term cash flow management in coordination with the wider finance function.
This is a key role in maintaining financial integrity, supporting operational teams, and ensuring that colleagues across the organisation are paid correctly and on time.
Key Responsibilities
Payroll Management
* Manage and process four monthly payrolls across the Group, ensuring all payments are accurate, timely, and compliant with statutory requirements.
* Oversee payroll submissions, reconciliations, and reporting, working closely with HR and site managers to resolve discrepancies.
* Ensure compliance with PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, and statutory deductions.
* Maintain accurate payroll records in line with GDPR and audit standards.
* Support the Finance Operations Manager with payroll-related journals, accruals, and reconciliations.
Expense Compliance and Payments
* Oversee the administration and approval process for staff expense claims via Soldo (or relevant system), ensuring compliance with internal policy and HMRC guidance.
* Carry out checks on high-value or exceptional claims to ensure proper authorisation and supporting evidence.
* Provide training or guidance to managers on correct expense submission procedures.
Employee Business Compliance
* Oversee employee driving compliance, ensuring valid driving licences, insurance, and business-use checks are completed for all staff who drive for work purposes.
* Maintain a central compliance log and follow up with managers on renewals or missing information.
Cash Flow and Financial Support
* Work with the Group Financial Controller and Finance team to assist with short-term cash flow forecasting, including payroll and expense payment scheduling.
* Identify opportunities to improve payment efficiency and timing alignment across payrolls.
* Support internal and external audits relating to payroll and employee-related payments.
Candidate Criteria
Essential:
* Proven experience managing payroll for a medium to large organisation (multi-entity or group structure preferred).
* Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, statutory reporting, and pension administration.
* Experience using modern payroll and expense management systems (SAGE).
* Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
* Strong communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with HR, operations, and finance colleagues.
* High standards of confidentiality and data protection awareness.
Desirable:
* Experience in the children’s care, education, or health & social care sectors.
* Knowledge of HMRC compliance for expenses and benefits in kind.
* Familiarity with cash flow planning or payroll accounting.
Personal Attributes
* Reliable and consistent, with a commitment to accuracy and integrity.
* Calm under pressure and adaptable to changing priorities.
* Team player who builds trust across departments.
* Driven to improve systems and streamline processes.
Reward Package
*Salary In the region of £35-40,000
*Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum + bank holidays
*Discretionary Bonus Scheme
*Company Pension Scheme
*Wider staff benefits programme
Business Support Manager - Apply now