Payroll Manager in Solihull

Our client is looking to recruit an experienced Payroll Manager to cover for maternity leave.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the payroll function to ensure all employees are paid accurately and on time.
• Manage the input and maintenance of payroll records, ensuring accurate recording of pay, benefits, overtime, absence and other adjustments.
• Manually check Human Resources and managers' salary calculations.
• Ensure that the monthly and annual reporting cycles to HMRC, pension providers and others are met.
• Oversee the implementation of annual pay review changes to ensure that all elements are accurate.
• Participate in annual salary surveys such as those required by the Office of National Statistics.
• Ensure that accurate and up-to-date records are maintained using agreed systems, which facilitate the production of management information and ad hoc reporting.
• Manage pensions reporting, auto-enrolment, and compliance for all staff, working alongside Pension Advisors and Human Resources as required.
• Provide market-based benchmarking data as required.
• Prepare documents, files and reports for annual audit purposes including TPS, HMRC and statutory requirements.
• Assist with colleagues’ payroll queries and liaise with Human Resources as appropriate.
• Be proactive in communicating with colleagues and other departments.
• Assist with ad hoc tasks as required.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, including PAYE, NI and statutory payments such as SSP, SMP and SSP.
• Prepare and submit monthly and annual returns including FPS, EPS, P11Ds and year-end processes.
• Respond to payroll queries from staff in a timely and professional manner, escalating complex issues where appropriate.
• Maintain confidentiality and data protection standards in line with GDPR.
• Support in system upgrades and the implementation of process improvements and automation.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for audit purposes.
• Assist with the documentation of processes and system improvements.
• Ensure the continuous smooth running of the department in periods of absence (e.g. annual leave).
• Assist with any other duties as required by the Foundation Director of Finance.

Experience/Knowledge:

• Proficiency in payroll systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Ability to identify problems and solutions.
• Understanding of data protection legislation and implications.

Desirable:

• Experience using the payroll system iTrent or similar.
• Familiarity with independent school structures and staffing models.
• Experience of working within education, charity or SME environments.
• Knowledge of Teacher’s Pension Scheme.
• Worked in a similar role within a multi-site organisation of a similar size (1,000+ employees).

Skills/Abilities:

• High degree of accuracy and meticulous attention to detail.
• Highly organised and structured.
• Ability to manage time effectively, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build effective working relationships with key colleagues outside of the Finance Department.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Discretely manage confidential matters.
• Ability to deal confidently with payroll queries.

Qualifications:

• Competent English Language skills.
• Recognised payroll qualification (minimum CIPP Level 5) or suitably qualified by experience.
• Proven experience in a Payroll Management role, ideally within the education sector.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation and pension schemes.