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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll for 6,000 employees across multiple sites and ensure accuracy.
- Company: Join a fast-paced, people-focused organisation with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stable environment, and opportunities for process improvement.
- Why this job: Lead payroll operations and make a real impact in a growing business.
- Qualifications: CIPP qualification and experience managing complex payroll structures required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with exposure to audits and system improvements.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
CIPP Qualified Payroll Manager
On-site - 5 days per week
Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 DOE
The Opportunity
We are recruiting for an experienced Payroll Manager to join a fast-paced, multi-site organisation supporting a large operational workforce. This is a key role responsible for overseeing end-to-end payroll operations for approximately 6,000 employees across multiple UK locations. This position requires someone who thrives in a high-volume, deadline-driven environment and has experience managing complex payroll structures, including varied pay elements, shift patterns, and multiple contractual arrangements.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and manage the full payroll lifecycle for circa 6,000 employees across multiple sites
- Manage and deliver three monthly payroll runs, ensuring accuracy and adherence to strict deadlines
- Ensure accurate and timely payroll processing while maintaining compliance with UK payroll legislation and internal controls
- Manage payrolls with complex pay structures including variable hours, enhancements, allowances, overtime and statutory payments
- Lead, develop and support the payroll team, ensuring high levels of accuracy and service delivery
- Act as the primary point of contact for payroll escalations and technical queries
- Maintain compliance with HMRC regulations, pension auto-enrolment requirements, and statutory reporting obligations
- Continuously review and improve payroll processes, controls and system efficiencies
- Work closely with HR, Finance and Operational teams to ensure accurate employee data and smooth payroll delivery
- Support audits and ensure all payroll records are maintained in line with regulatory and company standards
- Assist with system implementations, upgrades or integrations where required
About You
- Proven experience managing high-volume, multi-site payrolls
- Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements
- Experience managing multiple payroll cycles and complex payroll elements such as variable pay, shift-based workforces or multiple pay arrangements
- CIPP qualification is essential
- Demonstrated experience leading or supervising payroll teams
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work to strict deadlines
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience working within a highly regulated or compliance-focused environment would be advantageous
What’s On Offer
- Competitive salary of £50,000
- Opportunity to lead payroll within a large, people-focused organisation
- Exposure to complex payroll operations and process improvement projects
- Stable and growing business environment
Payroll Manager in Reading employer: Robert Half
Contact Detail:
Robert Half Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Payroll Manager role. 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 brushing up on your knowledge of UK payroll legislation and complex pay structures. Be ready to discuss your experience managing high-volume payrolls and how you've improved processes in the past. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for opportunities that fit your skills as a Payroll Manager, and make sure to tailor your approach to each company.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It also keeps you fresh in the interviewer's mind, which is always a bonus.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Manager role. Highlight your experience with high-volume payrolls and any specific achievements that demonstrate your expertise in managing complex pay structures.
Show Off Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your CIPP qualification prominently! It’s essential for this role, so make it clear how your qualifications align with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your relevant experience and skills at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to track your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Half
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements. Be ready to discuss how you've managed complex payroll structures in the past, as this will show that you understand the intricacies of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a payroll team, be prepared to share examples of how you've developed and supported your team in previous positions. Highlight any specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them to ensure high levels of accuracy and service delivery.
✨Demonstrate Your Attention to Detail
In a high-volume, deadline-driven environment, attention to detail is crucial. Bring examples of how you've maintained accuracy in payroll processing, especially when dealing with variable hours and multiple pay arrangements. This will help reassure them that you can handle the demands of the job.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical queries related to payroll operations. Brush up on common payroll issues and compliance regulations, and think about how you would handle escalations. Being able to confidently answer these questions will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.