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- Tasks: Lead payroll services for 1,000 employees in the UK and Ireland, ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Company: Ground Control is a tech-driven grounds maintenance company with national coverage since 1973.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, 23 days holiday, yearly bonuses, and gym memberships.
- Why this job: Join a growing company with a supportive culture focused on professional development and innovation.
- Qualifications: Experience in UK payroll management and familiarity with payroll systems like Bob Payroll and Sage required.
- Other info: We value diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid - Billericay
Salary: Competitive
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday
What you’ll do:
We are on the lookout for a Payroll & Benefits Manager to lead the delivery of accurate, compliant, and timely payroll services across Ground Control in the UK and Ireland – supporting around 1,000 employees. You will head up a small but mighty team of three Payroll Administrators, managing processes, driving integration across systems (Bob HR, Bob Payroll, Sage, D365 Finance), and delivering key payroll projects.
Key Responsibilities:
- Payroll Operations & Compliance: Oversee the end-to-end payroll processing for the UK and Ireland, ensuring full compliance with legislation and internal policies. Lead on financial reconciliation, statutory returns and year-end processes. Ensure proper application of tax laws, pay regulations and company agreements.
- Team Leadership & Capability Building: Manage and develop a team of four payroll administrators. Provide coaching and support to ensure service excellence and ongoing learning.
- Systems & Reporting: Maintain and enhance payroll system integrations with Bob HR and D365 Finance. Identify, plan and implement process improvements, increasing accuracy and efficiency. Generate payroll reports for Finance and HR.
- Benefits & Pensions Administration: Oversee changes to employee benefits, ensuring accurate deductions and charges. Work with HR to support benefits strategy, regularly reviewing schemes for best value. Manage multiple types of pension schemes (including auto-enrolment and group pensions).
What we’re looking for:
- Experience of managing a UK payroll.
- Hands-on experience with payroll systems – Bob Payroll (Pento) and Sage preferred.
- Strong understanding of payroll compliance, pensions and statutory reporting.
- Skilled in analysing data, creating reports and supporting financial reconciliation.
- Track record of leading people and building capability in a payroll team.
- Knowledge of managing an Irish payroll.
Why join us:
- Career Development Focus: We’re committed to supporting your professional growth with clear career paths, training, and tailored development programs, including our GC Leadership Academy, job specific accreditations and higher education opportunities.
- Exciting Growth Opportunities: Be part of a rapidly growing company with a dynamic team and expanding client base.
- Collaborative Environment: Work in a supportive, engaging, and innovative culture where your contributions are valued.
- Competitive Package: Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package, along with flexible working options, including: 23 days holiday, increasing with length of service + bank holidays, yearly bonus scheme & share options, robust pension scheme, Medigold employee support, free flu jabs, online private GP service, free or subsidised national gym memberships, employee recognition scheme, 2 personal choice volunteering days.
Ground Control: Ground Control is a UK-based grounds maintenance company powered by the latest technology. Since launching in 1973, Ground Control has grown rapidly and now provides full national coverage for our customers across the UK and Ireland. We deliver a range of services, including grounds maintenance, winter gritting, landscape construction, design, arboriculture, electric vehicle charging point installation to more than 50,000 commercial properties across the UK.
If you are looking to invest in your future with a business that puts people at the centre of everything, click the apply now button below to speak to a member of our team.
Equal Opportunities Statement: At Ground Control, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to thrive. We believe that diversity drives innovation and success, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate based on age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We actively support and promote an inclusive culture, ensuring fair and equitable treatment throughout the recruitment process and beyond.
Contact Detail:
Ground Control Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager - UK & Ireland
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the payroll systems mentioned in the job description, particularly Bob Payroll and Sage. Having hands-on experience or even a basic understanding of these systems can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your knowledge of UK and Irish payroll compliance and legislation. Being able to discuss specific regulations during your interview will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a payroll team in the past. Highlighting your leadership skills and ability to build capability within a team will resonate well with the hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Ground Control's company culture and values. Understanding their commitment to inclusivity and employee development will help you align your responses during the interview, showing that you're a great fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager - UK & Ireland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in payroll management, particularly with UK and Irish payroll systems. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific software knowledge, such as Bob Payroll or Sage.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of payroll compliance and your ability to lead a team. Mention specific achievements in previous roles that demonstrate your capability in managing payroll operations.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in financial reconciliation, data analysis, and process improvement. These are key aspects of the role and should be evident in your written application.
Show Enthusiasm for the Company: Express your interest in Ground Control's commitment to career development and their collaborative environment. Mention how you align with their values and how you can contribute to their growth.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ground Control
✨Know Your Payroll Systems
Familiarise yourself with the payroll systems mentioned in the job description, particularly Bob Payroll and Sage. Be prepared to discuss your hands-on experience with these systems and how you've used them to improve payroll processes.
✨Demonstrate Compliance Knowledge
Showcase your understanding of payroll compliance, especially regarding UK and Irish regulations. Prepare examples of how you've ensured compliance in previous roles, including handling statutory returns and financial reconciliations.
✨Highlight Team Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be ready to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Share specific instances where you've coached team members or implemented training programmes to enhance their skills.
✨Prepare for Process Improvement Discussions
Think about past experiences where you've identified and implemented process improvements in payroll operations. Be ready to discuss how these changes increased accuracy and efficiency, as this is a key responsibility of the role.
