Payroll Controller in Eccles

Location: Hybrid - Salford

Contract Type: Full time - 40 hours per week

Salary: Up to £38,000 depending on experience

We are looking for an experienced Payroll Controller to join our team and ensure the accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of all Sodexo payrolls. This role is central to maintaining high payroll standards, supporting the business, and ensuring full statutory and financial compliance across the UK and ROI.

Reporting to the Payroll Control Manager, you will take ownership of payroll production, statutory reporting, reconciliations, and payroll‑related financial controls, while providing expert support to colleagues across the organisation.

This is a Hybrid role, during the first six months of training you will be expected to work in the office approximately 3 days a week, then move to two days a week thereafter.

• Produce accurate and timely Sodexo payrolls in line with statutory legislation, company policy, and contractual requirements.
• Ensure correct reporting of payroll costs within the financial general ledger and balance sheet.
• Complete all payroll processes including gross‑to‑net calculations, financial postings, payslips, payment files, and auto‑enrolment.
• Manage statutory reporting to HMRC and Irish Revenue, including year‑end and post‑year‑end adjustments.
• Process interim BACS/SEPA payments, recalls, and manual calculations including overpayments.
• Handle payroll data for schemes such as childcare vouchers, mileage, and loans.
• Reconcile allocated payroll balance sheet accounts and complete all payroll reporting.
• Reconcile and settle payments with third‑party providers (e.g., unions, voluntary schemes, childcare voucher providers).
• Ensure all data changes are independently checked using SAP audit trails.
• Provide expert advice and support to the business on payroll matters.
• Maintain confidentiality and security of payroll systems and employee data.
• Escalate any process or policy non‑compliance to the Payroll Control Manager.
• Support the wider payroll team with BAU administration.

• Strong understanding of statutory payroll legislation and compliance.
• Proficient in Excel.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Ability to prioritise workload and meet tight deadlines.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Must be adaptable to change.
• The role requires someone who is a quick learner and able to adapt fast.

• Knowledge of ROI payroll and legislation.
• Experience using SAP HR/Payroll.
• VBA/Macro skills.

In addition, we offer 20+ Sodexo benefits such as Sodexo retirement plan, discounts to over 1,900 brands to shop online, Gym discount to maintain a healthy lifestyle, a confidential 24/7 employee assistance programme providing independent support to overcome whenever life has its obstacles including emotional support, legal and financial advice.

We’re all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities, and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be natural, and be the best versions of themselves. We recognise that we’re on a journey with regards to diversity and inclusion and would therefore welcome applications for candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

We’re a Disability Confident Leader employer. We’re committed to changing attitudes towards disability, and making sure disabled people have the chance to fulfil their aspirations. We run a Disability Confident interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria for the job.