At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll operations for 600+ employees and manage a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a leading independent professional services organisation with a B Corp™ certification.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Great chance to make an impact in a supportive and growing environment.
- Why this job: Be a key player in a major systems transformation while enhancing payroll processes.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation required.
We’re working with a leading independent professional services organisation that is continuing to grow. They’re looking for a Payroll & Finance Operations Manager to take ownership of their internal payroll function, lead a small team and play a key role in a major systems transformation.
The Role
- You’ll manage the monthly payroll for around 600 employees, plus a growing graduate population, covering a range of complexities including expenses, commission and Partner-level payroll.
- You’ll also be the payroll SME for an upcoming move from Sage to Dayforce, working alongside HR and IT to ensure a smooth implementation while maintaining excellent payroll compliance and accuracy.
- The role will also involve:
- Leading the internal payroll function and ensuring full legislative compliance
- Managing and developing a team of 4 across payroll and finance operations
- Overseeing payroll reporting, reconciliations and statutory submissions
- Acting as the payroll SME during the Dayforce implementation
- Driving process improvements, automation and stronger controls
- Supporting wider finance operations including VAT, banking and reconciliations
- Working closely with senior HR, Finance and IT stakeholders
About You
We’re looking for an experienced Payroll Manager who has managed a sizeable in-house payroll and is confident operating as the subject matter expert. You’ll ideally have:
- Strong in-house payroll management experience
- Experience managing payrolls of approximately 500-1,000 employees
- Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, pensions and compliance
- Previous experience managing a small team
- Experience delivering a payroll or HR systems implementation
- Excellent attention to detail and process improvement skills
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Professional services experience would be advantageous
- A polished, proactive and commercially minded approach
Interested? If you’re an experienced Payroll Manager looking for a role combining hands-on payroll leadership, team management and a major Dayforce transformation project, this is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of a key function within a growing professional services environment.
Payroll & Finance Operations Manager in Cheltenham employer: JGA Recruitment
Join a dynamic international business as a UK Payroll Administrator in the vibrant Holborn area of London, where you will play a crucial role in managing payroll for approximately 600 employees. With a hybrid working pattern and a supportive work culture that values employee growth and development, this position offers a competitive salary and bonus structure, alongside opportunities to enhance your payroll expertise within a collaborative team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll & Finance Operations Manager in Cheltenham
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at JGA Recruitment!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at JGA Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll & Finance Operations Manager in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at JGA Recruitment. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to JGA Recruitment and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at JGA Recruitment. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to JGA Recruitment's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at JGA Recruitment
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with JGA Recruitment.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at JGA Recruitment will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact JGA Recruitment and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
