At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage end-to-end payroll processing and ensure compliance with UK legislation.
- Company: Dynamic finance department in Central London offering hybrid working.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £58-62k, flexible work options, and career growth.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead improvements and streamline payroll operations.
- Why this job: Join a busy team and make a real impact on payroll processes.
- Qualifications: Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and excellent Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 62000 £ per year.
Central London
Please read the following job description thoroughly to ensure you are the right fit for this role before applying.
Hybrid working
Permanent post
£58-62k per annum depending on experience
Our client is seeking an experienced Payroll Manager to join their busy finance department.
Duties include:
- Oversee end‑to‑end payroll processing for weekly and monthly payrolls
- Ensure accuracy of all payroll data, calculations, and statutory deductions
- Manage and support the payroll team with day‑to‑day queries and workload
- Ensure compliance with UK legislation (HMRC, NMW/NLW, tax, NI, pensions)
- Administer statutory payments (SMP, SPP, SAP, SSP)
- Oversee pension scheme administration (LGPS/TPS or other scheme rules)
- Conduct regular payroll audits to maintain data integrity
- Manage relationship with external bodies (HMRC, pension providers, auditors)
- Resolve complex payroll queries escalated by the team and/or employees
- Produce payroll reports for Finance, HR, and senior leadership
- Lead on year‑end processes: P60s, P11Ds, and submission of year‑end returns
- Ensure payroll system accuracy and lead on system improvements/upgrades
- Maintain robust controls and procedures for payroll governance
- Support budgeting and workforce planning through payroll insights
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to streamline payroll processes
You will have:
- Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation & HMRC compliance
- Excellent understanding of statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP, SAP)
- Solid experience with pension schemes
- High attention to detail and accuracy
- Ability to resolve complex payroll queries confidently
- Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, pivot tables, reconciliations)
- Excellent communication skills with staff at all levels
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret data and produce reports
- Ability to manage deadlines and work under pressure
- Confidentiality and strong understanding of data protection (GDPR)
If you have all of the above, can process payroll from start to finish, including BACS payments, reports and reconciliations and seeking a new challenge, then please apply now!
Payroll Manager in London employer: Hays Accounts and Finance
Lambeth Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in one of London's most vibrant boroughs. With a strong commitment to employee development and a collaborative culture, staff are encouraged to grow their skills while contributing to vital community services. The role of Payroll Technical Lead not only provides the opportunity to work with a diverse team but also to make a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of employees and residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance sector, especially those who know about payroll. A friendly chat can lead to insider info on job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory payments. We want you to be able to confidently discuss how you’ve handled complex payroll queries in the past.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your analytical skills! Bring examples of reports you've produced or improvements you've made in previous roles. This will help us see how you can add value to our payroll processes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you dive into your application, make sure you’ve read the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand the role and how your experience aligns with what we’re looking for.
Show Off Your Skills:When writing your application, highlight your strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and your experience with statutory payments. We love seeing specific examples that demonstrate your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance. Remember, we appreciate attention to detail!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accounts and Finance
✨Know Your Payroll Legislation
Brush up on UK payroll legislation and HMRC compliance before your interview. Being able to discuss specific regulations, like statutory payments and pension schemes, will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but are also ready to tackle the complexities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your analytical mindset by discussing how you've interpreted payroll data in the past. Bring examples of reports you've produced or complex queries you've resolved, as this will highlight your ability to manage payroll processes effectively.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll be managing a team and liaising with various stakeholders, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Use examples from your experience where you’ve communicated complex payroll issues to staff at different levels, showcasing your excellent communication skills.
✨Highlight Continuous Improvement Initiatives
Think about any initiatives you've led to streamline payroll processes. Be ready to discuss these during the interview, as it shows your proactive approach and commitment to improving efficiency within the payroll function.
