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- Tasks: Lead payroll management and ensure compliance for a dynamic international diagnostics group.
- Company: Join Novacyt, a vibrant leader in molecular diagnostics with a friendly culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits package, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in payroll while growing your career in a fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: CIPP qualification and experience in payroll accounting are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a community-focused workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Reports to: Head of Group Reporting
Location: Onsite 4 days a week at our Manchester HQ (Manchester Science Park)
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary & Benefits: Competitive Salary + Benefits Package
About Novacyt Group
Novacyt is a leading international molecular diagnostics group specialising in reproductive health, precision medicine, and infectious diseases. Headquartered in the UK and France, we develop integrated genomic technologies and operate globally through key brands including Primerdesign and Yourgene Health.
Our Culture
Novacyt is a growing, vibrant and exciting place to work, we are looking for committed driven individuals to be part of our next growth journey. Our culture is described by our employees as collegiate, friendly, professional, innovative, open and fast paced. We have many social and wellbeing initiatives run by our Nova Social and Charity Huddle that keep our sense of community and togetherness alive. At Yourgene we focus on putting values led programmes in place to ensure that we can attract, retain and develop our people. We want our people to have a career with Yourgene and we ensure that they are recognised and rewarded for their achievements and commitment, everyone plays a critical role in our growth journey.
Description of role
Novacyt Group is recruiting for a permanent Payroll Lead, based onsite 4 days a week at our Manchester HQ located at Manchester Science Park. We are seeking an experienced Payroll Lead to take ownership of the Novacyt Group payroll function. Reporting to the Head of Group Reporting, this is a hybrid role blending end-to-end UK payroll management, international vendor oversight, and payroll accounting. You will be responsible for ensuring accuracy, statutory compliance, and the integrity of payroll financial data within our systems (NetSuite and Sage).
Key Responsibilities
- UK Payroll
- Monthly payroll preparation
- Managing payroll email inbox and resolving staff queries
- Processing joiners/leavers and monthly pay items
- Ensuring RTI submission through PayFit software
- Preparing monthly payroll report for review and approval
- Checking and formatting bank file for import of bank payments
- PAYE/DEA/PSA payments
- Monitoring HMRC PAYE accounts
- Working closely with HR team to ensure staff information is accurate and up to date
- Maintain headcount file to report to board
- Payroll accounting: preparing and posting payroll journals in the ERP systems (NetSuite/Sage)
- Payroll reports for group entities
- Balance sheet reconciliations for payroll related accounts
- Preparing payroll reconciliation for auditors and responding to payroll related audit queries
- Holiday accruals calculation and journals
- Annual Payroll reports
- Ensuring provision of P60’s
- Calculating and preparing P11D’s
- Calculating and preparing PSA
- Lead the strategic transition to payrolling Benefits in Kind (BIK), ensuring full compliance and system readiness; closing of legacy PAYE accounts
- Provision of monthly pay items to third-party bureau payroll providers
- Managing relationship with international third-party bureau payroll providers
- International payroll payments
- Preparing and posting payroll journals in the ERP system (NetSuite)
- Balance Sheet reconciliations for payroll related accounts
Please note this is a standalone role with no direct reports or line management responsibilities.
Qualifications, Skills and Abilities
- Payroll Expertise: CIPP qualification (or equivalent) with deep knowledge of UK statutory legislation (tax, NI, SSP, SMP, auto-enrolment)
- Accounting Proficiency: Demonstrable experience in payroll accounting, including calculating accruals, posting journals, and reconciling balance sheet control accounts. Comfortable investigating financial variances
- Technical Skills: Advanced Excel skills (VLOOKUPs, Pivots) are essential for data analysis and reporting
- Systems: Experience with cloud-based payroll software
- Team player with excellent communication skills
- Proactive and able to take a flexible approach
- Prior experience with NetSuite or PayFit
- Experience managing international payrolls through third-party providers
- Previous involvement in implementing PBIK (Payrolling Benefits in Kind)
Closing Date: Sunday 14th December, 2025
Equal Opportunities
Novacyt Group of companies provides equal employment opportunities for all current employees and applicants for employment. This policy means that no one will be discriminated against because of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, nationality, citizenship, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, genetic predisposing characteristics or any other basis prohibited by law.
Payroll Lead in Manchester employer: Novacyt Group
Contact Detail:
Novacyt Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Lead in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at industry events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Novacyt and understanding their culture. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their values and how you can contribute to their growth journey.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions and have your own questions ready. This shows you're genuinely interested in the role and helps you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining the Novacyt team.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Lead role. Highlight your payroll expertise, accounting proficiency, and any relevant experience with systems like NetSuite or PayFit. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your previous experiences make you a great fit for Novacyt. Keep it friendly and professional, just like our culture!
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your advanced Excel skills and any experience with cloud-based payroll software. We love data analysis, so if you've got examples of how you've used these skills in past roles, share them with us!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and we can’t wait to see your application come through. Let’s get started on this exciting journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novacyt Group
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK payroll legislation and accounting principles. Be ready to discuss specifics like tax, NI, SSP, and SMP, as well as your experience with payroll software like NetSuite and PayFit.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Since advanced Excel skills are essential for this role, prepare to demonstrate your proficiency. Bring examples of how you've used VLOOKUPs and PivotTables in previous roles to analyse data or solve payroll issues.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about past experiences where you had to resolve payroll discrepancies or manage tight deadlines, and be prepared to explain your thought process and actions.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
As a Payroll Lead, you'll need to work closely with HR and other departments. Highlight your communication skills and give examples of how you've collaborated effectively in the past to ensure smooth payroll operations.