At a Glance
- 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.
- Other info: Be part of a community-focused workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- 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.
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
- Key projects:
- Lead the strategic transition to payrolling Benefits in Kind (BIK), ensuring full compliance and system readiness; closing of legacy PAYE accounts
- International Payroll
- 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
Novacyt Group is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and innovative work culture at our Manchester HQ, where employees are valued and supported in their professional growth. With a strong focus on community through social initiatives and a commitment to recognising achievements, we provide a competitive salary and benefits package that reflects our dedication to employee wellbeing and career development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Lead in Manchester
✨Tap into Campus Networks
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
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We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Novacyt Group.
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Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Novacyt Group's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Novacyt Group
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Novacyt Group.
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Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
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✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Novacyt Group employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
