At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage payroll operations, ensuring compliance and accuracy in high-volume processing.
- Company: Join a trusted payroll provider known for professionalism and service excellence across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and 25+ days annual leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and career development.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in payroll leadership with advanced UK payroll knowledge required.
- Other info: CIPP qualification preferred but not essential; hybrid work after probation.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.
Job Title: Payroll Manager
Location: Hertfordshire
Working Structure: Initially office-based; hybrid after probation
Salary: £55,000 £60,000
Type: Full-Time Permanent
We are partnered with a well-established and trusted payroll provider delivering fully compliant, efficient payroll services to contractors and recruitment agencies throughout the UK. Our reputation is built on professionalism, transparency, and a strong commitment to service excellence.
Role Overview
We are seeking a seasoned Payroll Manager with extensive expertise in payroll to take full ownership of strategic, operational, and compliance-related payroll functions. This senior-level position plays a critical role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of high-volume contractor payrolls, while maintaining regulatory compliance and contributing to key business initiatives.
Key Responsibilities:
Leadership & Strategy
- Lead and manage the payroll function, from daily operations to strategic development.
- Define and execute payroll strategies aligned with company growth and service goals.
- Mentor, manage, and develop a high-performing payroll team.
- Collaborate across departments (Operations, Compliance, IT, Client Services) to optimize payroll processes.
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure full compliance with HMRC, IR35, off-payroll working rules, and employment law.
- Manage internal controls, audits, and responses to external regulatory reviews.
- Oversee accurate and timely RTI submissions, P45s, P60s, and other statutory documents.
- Serve as the subject-matter expert on statutory payments and deductions, including holiday pay and pensions auto-enrolment.
Process Management & Systems
- Continuously improve payroll systems, automation workflows, and reporting frameworks.
- Maintain strict data security, payment accuracy, and GDPR compliance.
- Liaise with payroll software vendors to ensure systems are scalable and up to date.
Stakeholder & Client Engagement
- Act as the primary point of contact for payroll-related matters with recruitment agencies and end clients.
- Provide detailed reports, insight, and recommendations to executive leadership.
- Lead initiatives such as onboarding new contractor cohorts and rolling out system/process changes.
Required Skills & Experience
- Minimum 5 years\’ experience in a payroll leadership role.
- Advanced knowledge of UK payroll legislation
- Proven experience managing weekly/monthly high-volume payroll, including gross-to-net calculations.
- Skilled in stakeholder engagement and team leadership.
- Familiarity with My Digital payroll software (preferred).
- CIPP qualification or equivalent (preferred but not essential).
Benefits
- Competitive salary and discretionary performance bonus
- Company pension scheme
- 25+ days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Flexible/hybrid working options
- Private medical insurance
- Career development support and professional training
- Collaborative and innovative team environment
Interested?
Contact me: (url removed)
JGA are dedicated to delivering the best possible candidate experience. Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we are not always able to respond to every individual applicant. If your application is shortlisted, a member of our team will be in touch. Thank you for your understanding.
JGA Recruitment Group Ltd (\”We\”) are committed to equality of opportunity for all applications regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. We strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply.
We are also committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We are a specialist Payroll and HR recruitment agency and recruitment business as defined in the Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 (our business). These statements together with our privacy notices set out the basis on which any personal data we collect from you, or that you provide to us, will be processed by us. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Payroll Manager employer: JGA Recruitment
Contact Detail:
JGA Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest UK payroll legislation and compliance requirements. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly changing field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the payroll industry, especially those who have experience with My Digital payroll software. Engaging with others can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led payroll teams and improved processes in previous roles. Highlighting your leadership skills and strategic thinking will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s values and recent initiatives. Tailoring your conversation during interviews to align with their goals will show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Payroll Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in payroll management, especially any leadership roles. Include specific examples of how you've managed high-volume payrolls and ensured compliance with UK payroll legislation.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for payroll management and your understanding of the company's values. Mention your experience with payroll software and your ability to lead a team effectively.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in payroll management.
How to prepare for a job interview at JGA Recruitment
✨Know Your Payroll Legislation
Make sure you brush up on UK payroll legislation, including HMRC regulations and IR35 rules. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a payroll team in the past. Highlight your mentoring abilities and how you've contributed to team development, as this is crucial for the Payroll Manager position.
✨Showcase Process Improvement Experience
Be ready to discuss any initiatives you've led to improve payroll processes or systems. This could include automation workflows or reporting frameworks that enhanced efficiency and accuracy.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about your experience in stakeholder engagement. Prepare to share how you've effectively communicated with recruitment agencies and clients, as well as how you've provided insights to executive leadership.