Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager

Full-Time 44000 - 66000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
JGA Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage payroll operations, ensuring compliance and accuracy in high-volume processing.
  • Company: Join a trusted payroll provider known for professionalism and service excellence across the UK.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and 25+ days annual leave.
  • Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team that values innovation and career development.
  • Qualifications: 5+ years in payroll leadership with advanced UK payroll knowledge required.
  • Other info: CIPP qualification preferred but not essential; hybrid work after probation.

The predicted salary is between 44000 - 66000 £ per year.

Payroll Manager

Location: London

Hybrid: Office 2 days per week

Salary: £45,000 to £55,000

Contract: Permanent

An ambitious and fast scaling technology business is seeking a capable Payroll Manager to strengthen and shape its growing payroll function.

This is a hands‑on position suited to a seasoned Payroll Specialist with bureau experience or an established Payroll Manager who remains close to the detail. You will take full ownership of multiple smaller client payrolls while playing a key role in developing the function as it scales. It offers a genuine opportunity to step into broader leadership responsibility over time.

You will work closely with senior payroll leadership in a collaborative, office-based environment and will be entrusted with end‑to‑end delivery across a portfolio of clients.

Your responsibilities will include:

  • Full ownership of several client payrolls from initial data processing through to submission, payments, reconciliations and pension uploads
  • Ensuring statutory compliance, accurate submissions and adherence to payroll deadlines
  • Applying current UK payroll legislation and HMRC guidance confidently and accurately
  • Acting as the primary contact for client payroll queries, providing clear and professional advice
  • Identifying process improvements and resolving issues before they escalated
  • Supporting system implementations, documentation and control frameworks
  • Contributing to ongoing automation and integration improvements
  • Gradually taking on mentoring and supervisory duties as the team expands

About You

You will bring solid experience from a bureau or multi-client payroll environment rather than a single large payroll operation. Accuracy, accountability and sound judgement are essential.

  • Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation and its practical application
  • Have managed multiple payrolls end to end with full responsibility for output
  • Be confident working with payroll systems and adapting to new processes
  • Demonstrate strong analytical thinking and sound problem solving ability
  • Communicate clearly and professionally with both colleagues and clients
  • Show ambition to develop leadership capability alongside technical expertise
  • Ideally hold a degree from a reputable university

This role will suit someone who takes pride in delivering high standards, enjoys operating in a growth environment and wants to build something meaningful rather than simply maintain the status quo.

JGA Recruitment Group Ltd (\”We\”) are committed to equality of opportunity for all applications regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

We are also committed to protecting and respecting your privacy. We are a specialist Payroll and HR recruitment agency and recruitment business as defined in the Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003 (our business).

These statements together with our privacy notices set out the basis on which any personal data we collect from you, or that you provide to us, will be processed by us.

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Payroll Manager employer: JGA Recruitment

As a Payroll Manager with us in Hertfordshire, you will join a well-established payroll provider renowned for its professionalism and commitment to service excellence. We offer a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and flexible working options, all within a collaborative and innovative team environment that prioritises your career development and professional training. Our strong focus on compliance and operational efficiency ensures that you will play a vital role in shaping the future of payroll services while enjoying a rewarding work culture.
JGA Recruitment

Contact Detail:

JGA Recruitment Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager

Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the latest UK payroll legislation and compliance requirements. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a rapidly changing field.

Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the payroll industry, especially those who have experience with My Digital payroll software. Engaging with others can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals.

Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led payroll teams and improved processes in previous roles. Highlighting your leadership skills and strategic thinking will set you apart from other candidates.

Tip Number 4

Research the company’s values and recent initiatives. Tailoring your conversation during interviews to align with their goals will show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.

We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager

Advanced Knowledge of UK Payroll Legislation
High-Volume Payroll Management
Gross-to-Net Calculations
Stakeholder Engagement
Team Leadership and Development
Compliance with HMRC and Employment Law
Experience with Payroll Software (My Digital preferred)
Data Security and GDPR Compliance
Process Improvement and Automation
Reporting and Analytical Skills
Mentoring and Coaching Skills
Collaboration Across Departments
Attention to Detail
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Payroll Manager position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, so you can tailor your application accordingly.

Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant experience in payroll management, especially any leadership roles. Include specific examples of how you've managed high-volume payrolls and ensured compliance with UK payroll legislation.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for payroll management and your understanding of the company's values. Mention your experience with payroll software and your ability to lead a team effectively.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial in payroll management.

How to prepare for a job interview at JGA Recruitment

Know Your Payroll Legislation

Make sure you brush up on UK payroll legislation, including HMRC regulations and IR35 rules. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your expertise and readiness for the role.

Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a payroll team in the past. Highlight your mentoring abilities and how you've contributed to team development, as this is crucial for the Payroll Manager position.

Showcase Process Improvement Experience

Be ready to discuss any initiatives you've led to improve payroll processes or systems. This could include automation workflows or reporting frameworks that enhanced efficiency and accuracy.

Engage with Stakeholders

Think about your experience in stakeholder engagement. Prepare to share how you've effectively communicated with recruitment agencies and clients, as well as how you've provided insights to executive leadership.

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