Payroll Manager in Clapham

We’re on a mission to be the nation’s most-loved neighbourhood restaurant. Think sunshine-filled food, seriously good vibes, a team that’s got each other’s backs, and there’s always a dog snoozing under someone’s table.

The Payroll Manager owns the end-to-end delivery of our UK payroll, making sure everyone is paid accurately, compliantly, and on time (every single pay run 🙌). You’ll have full ownership of payroll operations, payroll accounting, and all things statutory, with a particular focus on Fourth Payroll and TRONC administration. You’ll work closely with our Finance, People, and Operations teams to keep everything running smoothly, spot issues before they become problems, and make sure our payroll processes are rock-solid as we grow. In short: you’re the calm, detail-loving expert who keeps the wheels turning and the numbers behaving.

What you’ll be doing:

• Manage end-to-end UK payroll processing using Fourth Payroll, including coordination with the third-party Troncmaster.
• Act as subject matter expert for the TRONC module, including setup, maintenance, and accurate distribution.
• Ensure accurate processing of salaries, hourly pay, bonuses, deductions, benefits, and statutory payments.
• Process and administer all court orders and statutory deductions, such as DEAs, AEOs, CMS, and student loans, in line with statutory requirements.
• Manage payroll cut-offs, approvals, and payment runs.
• Payroll Accounting & Reconciliations:
• Accrue and release payroll journals accurately each period.
• Prepare and post payroll journals to the general ledger.
• Reconcile payroll control accounts and payroll-related balance sheet accounts.
• Investigate and resolve payroll variances and discrepancies.
• Support month-end and year-end close processes.
• Liaise with auditors on payroll-related audit matters.
• Ensure full compliance with UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, NIC, pensions (auto-enrolment), court orders, TRONC regulations, and statutory payments.
• Manage HMRC submissions, including FPS, EPS, P11Ds (where applicable), and year-end processes (P60s, P45s).
• Act as primary contact for HMRC queries, audits, and payroll inspections.
• Maintain robust payroll policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Work with the People team to ensure employee data changes are accurately reflected in payroll.
• Support Finance with payroll reporting and audit requirements.
• Respond to employee payroll queries professionally and confidentially.
• Liaise with external providers, including pensions, Troncmaster, auditors, and payroll software support.
• Identify and implement improvements to payroll processes, controls, and reporting.