Payroll Manager

We are recruiting on behalf of our client, a well-established and growing accountancy practice with a diverse client portfolio. They are looking to appoint an experienced Payroll Manager to take ownership of their payroll function, overseeing a portfolio of approximately 25 clients and leading a small payroll team. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys working closely with clients, managing deadlines and supporting a team, with the autonomy to take ownership of the department.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day payroll function, ensuring all client payrolls are processed accurately and on time. The role will involve managing a mixture of weekly and monthly payrolls, with around 20 weekly payrolls alongside monthly client payrolls.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing approximately 25 client payrolls.
• Overseeing around 20 weekly payrolls alongside monthly payrolls.
• Managing and supporting two direct reports.
• Ensuring payrolls are processed accurately and within strict deadlines.
• Managing client queries and resolving payroll issues.
• Maintaining regular communication with clients throughout the payroll process.
• Building strong and trusted client relationships.
• Monitoring payroll processes and ensuring procedures are followed.
• Supporting and developing team members.
• Reporting directly to the Partners.
• Taking ownership of the overall payroll department and ensuring the wider team operates effectively.

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Strong payroll experience, ideally gained within a payroll bureau or client-facing environment.
• Previous experience managing or supporting a payroll team, although candidates ready to take their first step into management will be considered.
• Experience managing multiple payrolls and competing deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of payroll processes and deadlines.
• Excellent client communication and relationship-building skills.
• A confident and personable approach when dealing with clients and colleagues.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to take ownership of workloads.
• Experience with Sage 50 would be advantageous.
• Payroll bureau experience would be beneficial.

The client is particularly looking for someone who:

• Has strong payroll experience and can take ownership of the department.
• Is confident managing multiple clients and competing deadlines.
• Has excellent people and communication skills.
• Can build strong relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Is reliable, organised and accountable.

Working Pattern

• Monday to Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm.
• Predominantly office-based.
• Potential for one day working from home once established and trust has been built.
• Immediate start preferred, with approximately one week of onboarding.

If you would like to find out more about this role, or discuss other opportunities I am currently recruiting for, please get in touch.

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