Senior Payroll Leader — UK & ROI (Workday)

Reporting to the Head of Total Reward, the Payroll Manager is a key leadership role, responsible for delivering accurate and compliant payroll across the UK and Republic of Ireland, while driving excellence in payroll operations, systems, and team performance. You will oversee end-to-end payroll, benefits, and absence processes, ensuring a seamless employee experience and strong governance across all activity. Alongside operational delivery, you will lead and develop a high-performing team and play a vital role in supporting wider compensation and reward initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Leading the delivery of UK & ROI payroll, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely processing.
• Maintaining compliance with UK and ROI legislation and internal controls.
• Managing payroll activities through Workday, including hires, terminations, compensation, benefits, and absence.
• Overseeing on-cycle and off-cycle payroll, reconciliations, audit controls, and payments.
• Managing payroll audits across allowances, overtime, benefits in kind, and variable payments.
• Supporting Executive payroll, including expatriates and long-term incentive plans (LTIPs).
• Supporting compensation reviews and broader reward initiatives.
• Managing international payroll operations in partnership with global providers and advisors.
• Overseeing third-party payments and integrations (HMRC, pension providers, benefits platforms).
• Leading, coaching, and developing a team of payroll professionals.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Proven payroll leadership experience (5+ years) in a complex environment.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll (PAYE, NI) and ROI payroll (PRSI, USC, BIK).
• CIPD or CIPP (or equivalent).
• Experience with Workday payroll systems.
• Understanding of pensions and auto-enrolment.
• Attention to detail, with a strong focus on accuracy and compliance.
• Strong leadership and team development skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Confident communicator, able to work with stakeholders at all levels.
• Intermediate/advanced Excel skills.

What We Offer

In addition to a competitive salary, bonus, 25 days holiday, life insurance, up to 7% pension, and access to the company's share scheme, you will benefit from:

• A comprehensive benefits package.
• The opportunity to lead a critical function within a dynamic Reward team.
• Exposure to international payroll operations.
• A collaborative environment with opportunities to drive improvement and innovation.

Equal Opportunity Statement

At Finning, we prioritize creating a diverse and inclusive environment. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we actively encourage all individuals to express themselves and achieve their full potential. As a company, we continuously strive to enhance our outreach to individuals of all backgrounds and identities. We do not discriminate against applicants based on gender identity, race, national and ethnic origin, religion, age, sexual orientation, marital and family status, and/or mental or physical disabilities. Furthermore, Finning is committed to collaborating with and providing reasonable accommodations /adjustments to individuals with disabilities. If you require an adjustment/accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please inform your recruiter. Finning is a forces-friendly employer having signed the Armed Forces Covenant, and pledges to treat those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families fairly.