Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Own the payroll process and improve HR/payroll systems for a dynamic organisation.
- Company: Values-led organisation prioritising people and continuous improvement.
- Benefits: Opportunity to make a real impact and work in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a team where your expertise shapes better systems and supports staff effectively.
- Qualifications: Strong UK payroll knowledge and experience with HR/payroll systems.
- Other info: This role is open to women applicants only, promoting diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Payroll is more than payslips. It’s trust, accuracy, and systems that quietly work so people can do their best work. We’re looking for an experienced Payroll & Systems Manager to take ownership of payroll governance and HR/payroll systems for an organisation of around 350 staff, spanning salaried, hourly, and casual contracts. Payroll is outsourced, but this role is very much hands-on. You’ll be the expert voice in the room, the bridge between People & Culture, Finance and our payroll provider, and the lead on shaping better, smarter systems for the future.
What you’ll be doing:
- Owning the end-to-end payroll process, ensuring accuracy, timelines, and full UK statutory compliance
- Acting as the internal payroll specialist, confidently reviewing calculations, deductions, pensions, and statutory payments
- Managing payroll inputs for variable hours and timesheet-based staff
- Building a strong, effective relationship with our outsourced payroll provider and holding service standards high
- Spotting risks, fixing inefficiencies, and reducing manual workarounds through better processes and cleaner data
- Leading the selection and implementation of a new HR and payroll system, from business case to go-live
- Acting as system owner post-implementation, ensuring controls, optimisation, and user confidence
- Producing meaningful payroll and people data reports that support financial planning and decision-making
- Working closely with People Operations, Finance, and managers to make sure changes are processed smoothly and on time
About you:
- You’re someone who likes things to work properly and isn’t afraid to roll up your sleeves to make that happen.
- You’ll bring strong, practical UK payroll expertise and a forensic eye for detail
- Experience managing payroll across multiple employment types and variable pay
- Confidence working with outsourced payroll providers and challenging when things aren’t right
- A track record of improving payroll or HR systems and documenting clear, resilient processes
- Experience leading or supporting HR/payroll system implementations
- The ability to explain payroll and systems clearly to non-specialists
- A collaborative, calm approach, even when deadlines loom
Harris Hill and the organisations we work with are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community. However, this post is restricted to women applicants due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
You’ll be joining a values-led organisation where people matter, systems should support rather than hinder, and continuous improvement is actively encouraged. This role has real influence, visibility, and the chance to leave things better than you found them. If you are immediately available and care about accuracy, integrity, and building systems that serve people well, please apply online today. I would love to hear from you!
Payroll and Systems Manager in London employer: Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists
Contact Detail:
Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll and Systems Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and HR world. Attend industry events or webinars where you can meet potential employers and showcase your expertise. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your payroll knowledge and systems experience. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've improved processes or tackled challenges in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who are passionate about payroll and systems. Your next opportunity could be just a click away, so don’t hesitate!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll and Systems Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Payroll Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for payroll shine through! Talk about why you love the intricacies of payroll processes and how you ensure accuracy and compliance. We want to see that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about making payroll work smoothly.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; dive into the details! Share specific examples of how you've managed payroll across different employment types or improved systems in your past jobs. This helps us see your hands-on experience and how it aligns with what we need.
Highlight Your Collaborative Spirit: Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to mention your collaborative approach. Share instances where you’ve successfully partnered with others, especially in challenging situations. We love seeing how you can bridge gaps between departments!
Tailor Your Application: Take a moment to tailor your application to our job description. Use the same language and key phrases we’ve included, like 'end-to-end payroll process' and 'HR/payroll systems'. This shows us that you understand the role and are genuinely interested in joining our team. Remember, apply through our website!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists
✨Know Your Payroll Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your UK payroll knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific processes, compliance issues, and how you've tackled challenges in the past. This role requires a forensic eye for detail, so be prepared to showcase your expertise.
✨Showcase Your Systems Savvy
Since this position involves leading the selection and implementation of new HR and payroll systems, come armed with examples of systems you've improved or implemented. Talk about the impact these changes had on efficiency and accuracy, and how you managed the transition.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
This role is all about collaboration, so demonstrate your ability to work well with others. Engage with your interviewers, ask insightful questions, and show that you can communicate complex payroll concepts clearly to non-specialists. A calm and collaborative approach will go a long way!
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think of examples where you've spotted risks or fixed inefficiencies in payroll processes. Be ready to explain your thought process and the steps you took to achieve better outcomes.
