At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage complex payrolls and lead a high-performing team in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Top UK accountancy firm with a people-first culture and global reach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fixed-term contract with potential for permanence, and inclusive culture.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with diverse clients and contribute to strategic planning.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in accounting while developing your career in a supportive setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management, strong knowledge of UK legislation, and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 85000 £ per year.
The Senior Payroll Manager (1 year FTC contract) will manage complex client portfolios, ensuring compliant, high‐quality payroll delivery while leading and developing a high‐performing team. You'll act as a trusted advisor to clients, providing practical solutions and contributing to the wider success and strategic direction of the firm. The role has the possibility to go permanent upon completion of the contract.
Client Details: Our client is a top UK accountancy firm with a strong national presence and international reach through a global network. Known for its people‐first culture and commitment to development, the firm works with a diverse client base across complex and high‐profile industries, offering a collaborative environment where individuals can make a real impact.
Description:
- Manage a portfolio of complex, high‐profile client payrolls end‐to‐end
- Act as a subject matter expert on UK payroll legislation and Auto Enrolment
- Provide practical, commercial payroll solutions to clients
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high‐performing payroll team
- Allocate resources effectively, balancing client delivery and team development
- Oversee payroll accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery across all accounts
- Build and maintain strong, trusted client relationships
- Identify risks and resolve complex payroll challenges proactively
- Contribute to departmental strategy, planning, and continuous improvement
- Analyse and forecast resourcing requirements to support business demand
Profile: A successful Senior Payroll Manager should have:
- Ideally immediately available or have a short notice period
- Experience in a payroll manager role with an accountancy practice
- Proven experience managing end‐to‐end payrolls in a complex environment
- Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation and Auto Enrolment
- CIPP qualified (or equivalent)
- Confident leading, developing, and motivating payroll teams
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
- Strong client‐facing skills with a commercial mindset
- Solutions‐focused with excellent problem‐solving ability
- High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Comfortable working in a fast‐paced, evolving environment
Job Offer:
- Competitive salary ranging from £75,000 to £85,000 GBP.
- Fixed‐term contract offering stability with possibility to go permanent
- Opportunities to work within a respected professional services firm.
- Chance to make a significant impact in the accounting and finance department.
- Inclusive and supportive company culture.
If you are ready to take the next step in your career as a Senior Payroll Manager, apply today to join this professional services organisation.
Senior Payroll Manager in London employer: Michael Page
Join a leading UK accountancy firm renowned for its people-first culture and commitment to employee development. As a Senior Payroll Manager, you'll benefit from a competitive salary, a supportive work environment, and the opportunity to make a significant impact within a diverse client portfolio. With a focus on collaboration and continuous improvement, this role offers not only stability through a fixed-term contract but also the potential for permanent placement, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Payroll Manager in London
✨Join Financial Networking Events
Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.
✨Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance
Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like Michael Page.
✨Connect with Alumni from Your Uni
Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.
✨Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites
Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like Michael Page might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Payroll Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at Michael Page will be keen to see in your application.
Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at Michael Page. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!
Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give Michael Page confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page
✨Brush Up on Financial Regulations
Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with Michael Page.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure Michael Page that you’re a reliable team player.
✨Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn
In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.
