At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor a team to ensure accurate payroll processing for diverse clients.
- Company: Join Affinia, the UK's fastest growing purpose-led accountancy firm.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace a hybrid work model and be part of an inclusive, diverse team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in payroll management while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Advanced Payroll certification and 5+ years of experience in Practice Payroll required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
Location: Hybrid / Sidcup, UK
Job type: Permanent / Full-time
Sector and subsector: Finance & Legal | Accounting & Payroll
Salary: Competitive salary
Affinia is the UK’s fastest growing purpose‑led, purpose‑built Accountancy firm, focused on building stronger, more valuable relationships. With over 1000 colleagues across the East, South East, London and the Midlands, we are dedicated to supporting our clients, colleagues and communities. We advise businesses, public sector organisations, charities and individuals throughout the UK and internationally across six Service Lines – Accounts Solution, Taxation, Audit & Assurance, Corporate Finance, Payroll and Corporate Recovery.
Purpose of the role
The Payroll Manager is a senior operational and team leadership position which involves leading, mentoring and developing a team of payroll professionals, ensuring the accurate and timely processing of complex client payrolls. The Manager also plays a crucial role in maintaining strong relationships with key clients, acting as a primary escalation point, and driving continuous process improvements to enhance efficiency and contribute to the service line's profitability.
We operate a hybrid working policy, so you’ll be able to combine working from Affinia’s office, client’s offices when required, and from home when you are able. Affinia provides access to technical training and soft skills training through platforms such as Croner‑i, Mercia, Tolley’s and LinkedIn Learning, which you will be able to access.
Accountabilities
- Process payrolls (end‑to‑end) for clients in an accurate and timely manner ensuring all deadlines are adhered to.
- Ensure all payroll actions are compliant and delivered in accordance with relevant legislation and contractual obligations.
- Regular communication with clients concerning gross pay rates, net pay, and HMRC liabilities as well as staff changes and ad hoc deductions/expenses.
- Reconciliations of HMRC liabilities.
- Provide advice to clients and employees to respond to payroll queries.
- Support clients with payroll reporting requirements.
- Set up assistance on new PAYE schemes and any handover payrolls.
- Perform manual calculations as required.
Key skills and attributes required
- An advanced Payroll certification (e.g. CIPP Advanced Diploma).
- Ideally 5+ years’ experience in Practice Payroll, preferably including time in a management role already.
- Expert proficiency in Payroll software, advanced Excel, and mastery of all UK Payroll legislation.
- Proven ability to lead, coach, develop, organise, and manage a team, along with strong problem‑solving and decision‑making capabilities.
- Superior client relationship management, excellent communication, and commercial awareness.
- High attention to detail, proactive, resilient, adaptable, integrity, and a collaborative mindset.
Culture & Core Benefits
- Option to purchase 3 additional days per year
- Professional membership support
- Paycare – claim money back for Dental / Optical / Professional Therapies
- Death in Service
- Agile/Hybrid Working Policy
- Dress for your Diary Policy
Affinia is a flexible business which has embraced a hybrid working model where our colleagues enjoy a mix of home and office working. We welcome applications from people looking for flexible and agile roles and we are happy to explore your preferred working patterns as part of your application. Affinia is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our policy is unequivocal: we do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, sex, race, religion or belief, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, or sexual orientation. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive organisation that actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, valuing the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates, and selection for roles is based solely on individual merit.
Payroll Manager employer: Hollybank Trustees Ltd
Affinia is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic hybrid working environment in Sidcup that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from access to extensive training resources and a culture that values inclusivity and diversity. Join a purpose-led accountancy firm where your contributions are recognised, and you can grow alongside a supportive team dedicated to excellence in client service.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or even in person. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Payroll Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opening!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its culture. Affinia values strong relationships, so think about how you can demonstrate your client management skills and team leadership experience during the chat.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your experience with payroll software and UK legislation, as these are key for the Payroll Manager position.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Affinia team.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in managing payroll processes and leading teams. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your experience with client relationships and payroll legislation.
Showcase Your Skills:We’re keen on seeing your expertise in payroll software and Excel. Include specific examples of how you’ve used these tools to improve processes or solve problems in your previous roles. This will help us understand your capabilities better!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hollybank Trustees Ltd
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge, especially UK legislation and software. Be ready to discuss your experience with complex payroll processes and how you've handled challenges in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Payroll Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've mentored or developed team members before. Highlight your ability to manage relationships and drive improvements in processes.
✨Client Communication is Key
Since maintaining strong client relationships is crucial, think of instances where you've effectively communicated with clients about payroll issues. Be ready to explain how you handle queries and ensure client satisfaction.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss how you'd approach specific payroll challenges or client situations, demonstrating your analytical thinking and decision-making abilities.
