Senior Payroll Executive in Manchester

A leading media organisation in Manchester is seeking a Senior Payroll Executive to join their collaborative and supportive team. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to bring your expertise in payroll, HR processes, and compliance to a role that offers variety, responsibility, and the chance to make a real impact on both people and business outcomes.

As a Senior Payroll Executive working for this forward-thinking media organisation based in Manchester, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring seamless payroll operations for the organisation. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include managing high-volume payroll cycles from start to finish while maintaining strict adherence to UK legislation. You will work collaboratively with finance teams on reconciliations and reporting tasks while also supporting HR colleagues on workforce planning initiatives.

• Manage multiple payroll cycles with precision and timeliness, ensuring all starters, leavers, amendments, and data changes are processed accurately.
• Verify payroll data meticulously before each run and troubleshoot any discrepancies to guarantee error-free results.
• Ensure full compliance with PAYE, National Insurance, pensions legislation, statutory payments (SSP/SMP), HMRC regulations, and internal policies.
• Produce detailed payroll reports for stakeholders and clearly explain any variances or queries that arise during processing.
• Collaborate closely with Finance to support accurate month-end processes and reconciliation activities.
• Stay up-to-date with legislative changes affecting payroll and implement necessary updates efficiently across systems and processes.
• Identify opportunities for process improvements within payroll operations and take initiative in implementing best practices.
• Act as the main point of contact for complex payroll queries from employees or managers, providing clear guidance with empathy and discretion.
• Conduct regular audits and risk assessments to ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements and internal controls.

Your proven experience as a Senior Payroll Executive will enable you to thrive in this multifaceted role. You will bring not only technical proficiency but also excellent interpersonal skills that allow you to build trust across teams. Your background should include hands-on management of complex UK payrolls—ideally within large organisations or those with high transaction volumes—where accuracy is paramount. You are comfortable navigating changing legislation and can translate regulatory requirements into practical solutions. Your analytical mindset ensures that you spot discrepancies.

You should have experience in the following areas:

• Minimum 3 years’ experience managing end-to-end UK payroll processes either certified or qualified by experience within a similar environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of UK payroll legislation including PAYE, NICs, Auto Enrolment pensions schemes, salary sacrifice arrangements, BACS payments, benefits in kind, SSP/SMP rules.
• Proven track record handling complex high-volume payrolls with strong numerical skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience producing detailed reports for finance teams; able to explain variances clearly using analytical thinking.
• Excellent communication skills with an empathetic approach when dealing with sensitive employee queries or confidential information.
• Demonstrated ability to stay updated on legislative changes affecting payroll/HR practices and implement these effectively within systems/processes.

This organisation stands out for its commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where every team member feels valued and supported. Employees benefit from flexible working arrangements designed around individual needs as well as generous pension contributions that reflect long-term investment in staff wellbeing. The company places great emphasis on training opportunities so you can continue developing your skills throughout your career journey here.

If you are ready to take your career forward in a rewarding Senior Payroll Executive role where your expertise truly matters—this is your moment! Apply today by clicking on the link below—we look forward to connecting with you soon.