Payroll Specialist in Manchester

DEPT® is a Growth Invention company built to help the world’s most ambitious brands grow faster. Operating at the intersection of technology and marketing, our 4,000+ specialists deliver growth invention services across Brand & Media, Experience, Commerce, CRM, and Technology & Data. We’re 50|50 tech and marketing, partner‑led, and first to move. Clients include Google, Lufthansa, Meta, eBay, and OpenAI. We have been certified B Corp and Climate Neutral since 2021.

JOB PURPOSE

This role is at the center of our Holding team in London and Manchester. We’ve got a mix of skills here, from Finance and Hospitality to Recruitment, People & Culture, IT Support and Marketing. Think of us as the backbone of the company, keeping things running smoothly and helping out everywhere we can. We’re the reliable crew that everyone counts on to keep things rolling.

We are seeking a highly skilled Payroll Specialist with extensive experience in UK and Ireland payroll processes and proficiency in ADP Celergo. The ideal candidate will be responsible for managing payroll across multiple entities, ensuring accuracy and compliance with tax and statutory regulations. You will liaise with ADP and DEPT® employees to address and resolve any payroll‑related issues.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Process end‑to‑end payroll for UK, Ireland, and Australia including tax deductions, pension contributions, and other statutory requirements.
• Efficiently manage payroll operations using ADP Celergo, ensuring accuracy and smooth workflows.
• Liaise directly with ADP to resolve technical issues, implement system updates, and ensure payroll compliance.
• Maintain compliance with UK and Ireland payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, RTI, and P60 submissions.
• Proactively identify potential payroll issues and escalate them to the ADP team for timely resolution.
• Manage payroll adjustments, bonuses, overtime, and deductions, ensuring accuracy.
• Stay up‑to‑date with changes in UK and Ireland payroll laws and regulations to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Collaborate closely with People and Finance teams to ensure data accuracy and provide payroll insights.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for payroll‑related queries from People colleagues, leads, and employees.
• Facilitate audits by providing necessary payroll records and documentation to auditors.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Extensive experience in payroll management, ideally within a global or international setting.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll (Ireland payroll knowledge is a plus).
• Proficiency in ADP Celergo with experience managing payroll systems and compliance.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of interacting with employees at all levels.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• A collaborative team player who can thrive in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Available to start work in March 2026.

WE OFFER

• A flexible, hybrid working policy (2 days from the office, depending on location).
• An excellent salary based on experience and equal pay policies.
• Pension, free private healthcare, mental health support, and company sick pay scheme.
• Help getting you to work with a season ticket loan and cycle to work scheme.
• Enhanced family‑friendly policies to support new parents.
• Social and Cultural Events, plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues through organised activities and celebrations.
• Inspirational Talks, bringing the outside in with regular guest speakers and events.
• Learning and Development, supporting your growth with continuous opportunities to learn and advance.
• Buddy Programme: You will be paired with a ‘Buddy’ to help you through your first weeks at DEPT®.
• A reputation for doing good. DEPT® has been a Certified B Corp® since 2021 and named ‘Agency of the Year’ at both The Lovies and The Webby Awards.
• Awesome clients. Whether big or small, local or global — at DEPT® you’ll get the opportunity to work with clients of all sizes and across all industries.
• The opportunity for possibility. We want to enable you to do what you do best and help you develop your skills further with training, development and certifications.
• Global annual DEPT® Cares Month in which employees come together and donate their skills to support local charities.

At DEPT®, we take pride in creating an inclusive workplace where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive. We actively seek to recruit, develop, nurture, and retain talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, with varying skills and perspectives. Not sure you meet all qualifications? Apply, and let us decide!