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- Tasks: Lead the payroll function and manage a team while ensuring compliance and accuracy.
- Company: Well-established organisation with a supportive and collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity for career advancement in a growing organisation.
- Why this job: Play a key role in system implementation and make a real impact on payroll operations.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management, team leadership, and Workday preferred.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Payroll Manager with strong end-to-end UK payroll knowledge, Workday experience, and the confidence to lead a team through system stabilisation and process improvement?
Do you enjoy working in a hands-on role where you can take ownership of payroll operations while supporting a business through an important period of system go-live and organisational growth? We are working with a well-established organisation to recruit a Payroll Manager to take ownership of the in-house UK payroll function during a key phase following the recent implementation of Workday Payroll, which is going live this year.
The successful candidate will act as the payroll systems owner for Workday while leading the day-to-day payroll operation. This is a visible and important role where you will oversee the full payroll cycle, manage a small team, and play a key part in embedding the new payroll system while ensuring compliance, accuracy, and continuous improvement across the function.
Your Core Responsibilities
- End-to-End Payroll Ownership: Managing the full in-house UK payroll for circa 3,000 employees, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery.
- Team Leadership: Leading and developing a team of 4 payroll coordinators, providing coaching, direction, and oversight across all payroll activity.
- Workday System Ownership: Acting as payroll lead for Workday, supporting go-live, resolving issues post-implementation, and ensuring the system is used effectively across the payroll function.
- Process Improvement & Controls: Reviewing payroll procedures, identifying improvements, and ensuring strong governance, audit readiness, and compliance with HMRC and pension requirements.
- Stakeholder Management: Working closely with HR, Reward, Finance, and senior stakeholders to resolve queries, support change, and provide expert payroll guidance.
- Compliance & Technical Expertise: Ensuring payroll is delivered in line with UK legislation, tax, pensions, and regulatory requirements, including complex pay elements and pension schemes.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in a Payroll Manager / Payroll Lead role
- Strong end-to-end UK payroll experience in a medium-to-large organisation
- Experience managing or mentoring payroll staff
- Workday payroll experience strongly preferred
- Knowledge of complex payroll elements (overtime, shift, standby, pensions etc.)
- Experience working with stakeholders across HR / Finance / Reward
- CIPP qualification (desirable but not essential)
- Confident working in a changing environment, particularly around system implementation
- Able to work independently and take ownership of the payroll function
- Compliance & Governance - Ensuring payroll is delivered in line with HMRC requirements, legislation tax and internal audit standards.
Why Join?
- Key role during Workday go-live and system stabilisation
- Opportunity to own and lead the payroll function
- Supportive, collaborative culture and trusting manager
- Growing organisation with future projects, integrations, and system work expected
- Hybrid working – 2 days per week in the office (Basingstoke)
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Payroll Manager who enjoys ownership, systems, and leadership, and wants to play a key role in how payroll is delivered going forward. Apply now.
Payroll Manager in Basingstoke employer: Practicus
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and HR sectors. Let them know you're on the lookout for a Payroll Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your LinkedIn game on point! Make sure your profile highlights your end-to-end payroll experience and Workday expertise. Join relevant groups and engage with posts to increase your visibility in the payroll community.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common payroll scenarios and challenges. Be ready to discuss how you've led teams through system changes and improved processes. Show them you’re the go-to person for payroll operations!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly shows your enthusiasm for joining our team. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your end-to-end UK payroll knowledge and any Workday experience you have, as these are key for us.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading a team, don’t forget to mention your experience in managing or mentoring payroll staff. We want to see how you've developed teams in the past!
Be Clear on Compliance: Demonstrate your understanding of compliance and governance in payroll. Mention any specific experiences where you ensured adherence to HMRC requirements or improved processes, as this is crucial for us.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Practicus
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your end-to-end UK payroll knowledge. Be ready to discuss specific payroll processes, compliance issues, and how you've handled complex pay elements in the past. This will show that you’re not just familiar with payroll but that you can lead a team through challenges.
✨Show Off Your Workday Experience
Since Workday experience is strongly preferred, be prepared to talk about your hands-on experience with the system. Share examples of how you've supported go-live phases or resolved post-implementation issues. This will demonstrate your capability as a payroll systems owner.
✨Leadership is Key
As you'll be leading a small team, think of examples where you've successfully managed or mentored staff. Highlight your coaching style and how you’ve improved team performance. This will help the interviewers see you as a strong leader who can guide others through system stabilisation.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Questions
Expect questions about how you’ve worked with HR, Finance, and other stakeholders in the past. Be ready to discuss how you’ve resolved queries and provided expert payroll guidance. This will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in a payroll function.