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- Tasks: Lead and manage payroll for a dynamic team, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Company: Join a people-first culture in a growing payroll management team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and long-term career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role with real impact during a period of transition.
- Qualifications: 5+ years payroll experience and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for professional growth and process improvement.
The predicted salary is between 43000 - 58000 £ per year.
£50,000- £55,000 | Thame | Hybrid Full Time
Join a growing team where precision meets people-first culture. We are seeking an accomplished Payroll Manager to lead our busy payroll function during a period of planned departmental transition. With a key colleague due to retire within the next 1–2 years, this role forms a crucial part of our succession planning strategy, offering the successful candidate genuine long-term career development and the opportunity to step into broader leadership responsibilities.
The ideal candidate will bring significant payroll expertise (5+ years preferred), including experience within a payroll bureau or accountancy practice, and a proven ability to manage large and complex payrolls of 300+ employees. You will have a strong track record in leading payroll teams, improving processes, and delivering a highly accurate, compliant, and efficient payroll service. CIPP qualification is preferred, or you may be working towards completion. Strong knowledge of employee pension administration, including monthly scheme submissions, is essential.
This is a hands-on, leadership-focused position suited to someone who thrives on responsibility, continuous improvement, and delivering an exceptional service to both clients and internal stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead, oversee, and deliver accurate weekly and monthly payrolls
- Maintain full responsibility for payroll inputs: starters, leavers, salary changes, absence calculations, and employee data updates
- Manage payroll for multiple clients, including high-volume and complex payrolls of 300+ employees
- Provide expert guidance on payroll legislation, compliance, and policy development
- Manage, mentor, and develop the payroll team, ensuring high standards of performance
- Support a structured transition of duties as part of succession planning, including knowledge transfer from a colleague preparing for retirement
- Oversee staff training, development plans, and the introduction of new team members
- Ensure all payroll processes comply with legislation, HMRC guidelines, and internal controls
- Conduct regular audits and reviews to maintain high levels of accuracy and compliance
- Stay up to date with changes in payroll law and implement improvements where required
- Maintain thorough records and documentation across all payrolls
- Resolve complex payroll queries professionally and efficiently
- Lead onboarding for new payroll clients and ensure smooth integration
- Build strong working relationships with clients, HR teams, finance colleagues, and external bodies
- Represent the payroll function in meetings, audits, and process reviews
- Manage employee pension administration, including monthly submissions and compliance monitoring
- Oversee statutory reporting (SSP, SMP, SPP, PAYE, NI) and end-of-year tasks
- Support the preparation and submission of P11D forms
- Lead or support payroll system upgrades or migrations
- Identify opportunities to streamline processes and improve efficiency
- Support business development by introducing new payroll clients where suitable
- 5+ years payroll experience in a management/senior role
- Experience within a payroll bureau or accountancy practice (essential)
- A track record of successfully managing large payrolls of 300+ employees
- CIPP qualified (preferred) or studying towards
- Strong knowledge of employee pension administration, including monthly submissions
- Experience of payroll software transitions or major project work
- Strong technical payroll knowledge, including statutory payments and tax requirements
Payroll Manager in Thame employer: Global CTS Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Global CTS Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager in Thame
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Payroll Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opening or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your payroll knowledge and compliance regulations. Be ready to discuss your experience managing large payrolls and how you've improved processes in the past. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When chatting with potential employers, highlight your experience mentoring teams and managing transitions. They want to see that you can not only handle payroll but also lead a team through changes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find the right fit for your skills and experience. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us get to know you better.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager in Thame
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Manager role. Highlight your experience with large payrolls and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Expertise: In your cover letter, don’t hold back on showcasing your payroll expertise. Talk about your experience with compliance, pension administration, and any improvements you've made in previous roles. This is your chance to shine!
Be Clear and Concise: When filling out your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforwardness, especially when it comes to complex payroll details!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about our culture and values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Global CTS Recruitment
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge, especially around legislation and compliance. Be ready to discuss your experience managing large payrolls and any specific challenges you've faced. This will show that you're not just familiar with the basics but can handle complex situations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've managed and developed your team in the past. Talk about your mentoring style and how you've improved team performance. This will demonstrate that you’re not just a payroll expert but also a capable leader.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations, like resolving a complex payroll query or implementing a new process. Think through your approach to these scenarios beforehand, as it will help you articulate your problem-solving skills and adaptability during the interview.
✨Build Rapport with Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Engage with your interviewers by asking insightful questions about their payroll processes and team dynamics. This shows your interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
