At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll and finance operations, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in a growing B2B platform.
- Company: Join a high-growth tech company with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy a performance-related bonus, full remote work, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with high autonomy and trust.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by designing scalable payroll systems and collaborating with leadership.
- Qualifications: 5-10+ years in payroll or finance operations, with experience managing payroll for 50+ employees.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re building a high-growth B2B platform and are looking for a Head of Payroll & Finance Operations to own payroll execution, spend operations, and financial workflows at scale. This is a senior, hands-on role for someone who understands that payroll isn’t just about accuracy — it’s about timing, controls, cashflow, and systems that don’t break as the business grows. If you’ve ever been responsible for payroll and the way it’s funded, this role is for you.
The role involves:
- Ownership of UK payroll operations (monthly / multi-entity if applicable)
- Managing payroll funding, approvals, and payment workflows
- Working closely with finance on cashflow timing and controls
- Improving how payroll spend is tracked, approved, and reported
- Supporting tooling decisions around payroll, cards, and payments
- Ensuring payroll scales cleanly as headcount grows
This role sits between people, finance, and operations — with real ownership.
Who this role is for:
- Has 5–10+ years experience in payroll, finance operations, or people ops
- Has owned payroll for 50+ employees (ideally 100–500+)
- Understands payroll funding, not just processing
- Has worked with payroll platforms, banks, cards, and finance teams
- Is comfortable being accountable for accuracy, timing, and controls
- Has experience in SaaS, fintech, agency, or high-growth environments
You’re the person people rely on when:
- Payroll needs funding
- Systems must not fail
What’s on offer:
- Performance-related bonus
- Fully remote (UK)
- High autonomy and trust
- Direct collaboration with leadership and finance
- Opportunity to design scalable payroll and spend systems
- Long-term progression into broader finance or ops leadership
Why this role is different:
We care deeply about visibility and control over outgoing payments and reducing friction between payroll, finance, and leadership. If you enjoy running payroll properly, not just “getting it done”, you’ll thrive here.
Head of Payroll employer: Intellect Group
As a fully remote employer based in the UK, we offer an exceptional work culture that prioritises autonomy and trust, allowing you to take ownership of payroll and finance operations in a high-growth B2B environment. With a focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to design scalable systems and collaborate directly with leadership, ensuring your contributions are valued and impactful. Join us for a rewarding career where your expertise in payroll can truly shine and evolve into broader finance or operations leadership roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Payroll
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio or a LinkedIn profile that highlights your achievements in payroll management and finance operations. Share insights or articles related to payroll systems and controls to position yourself as a thought leader.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of payroll funding and financial workflows. Be ready to discuss how you've improved processes in previous roles. We want to see your hands-on experience shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let’s get you that Head of Payroll role!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payroll
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Payroll. Highlight your experience with payroll operations, especially if you've managed payroll for 50+ employees. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; show us what you’ve achieved in your previous roles. If you’ve improved payroll processes or implemented new systems, let us know! We love seeing tangible results.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Explain why you’re passionate about payroll and finance operations. Share your vision for how you can contribute to our high-growth environment at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Intellect Group
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge, especially around funding and cashflow. Be ready to discuss how you've managed payroll for larger teams in the past and any systems you've implemented to ensure accuracy and timing.
✨Showcase Your Systems Savvy
This role is all about scalable systems, so be prepared to talk about the payroll platforms and tools you've used. Highlight any experience you have with integrating these systems into finance operations and how they improved efficiency.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Department Collaboration
Since this role sits between people, finance, and operations, share examples of how you've worked with different teams. Discuss how you’ve reduced friction between departments and ensured smooth payroll processes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think of scenarios where payroll systems might fail or need urgent funding, and be ready to explain how you would handle those situations effectively.
