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- Tasks: Lead payroll operations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Company: Join a global leader known for innovation and collaboration in a diverse environment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and hybrid working options.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of payroll leadership, enhancing employee experience and operational efficiency.
- Qualifications: Minimum 5 years' payroll experience with expertise in NI and ROI PAYE systems required.
- Other info: Collaborate with HR and Finance teams in a supportive, team-oriented culture.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
VANRATH are delighted to be working with a global leader who are searching for the next Head of Payroll. Are you an experienced payroll professional with a strong record of delivering accurate and compliant payroll operations? Do you thrive on navigating evolving payroll legislation across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland? This role places you at the heart of payroll leadership, where your expertise will directly support employee experience, compliance, and operational efficiency.
What you'll get:
- Be part of a global, inclusive organisation known for innovation and collaboration
- Excellent salary and a comprehensive benefits package
- Hybrid working
- Partner with experienced HR and Finance teams in a supportive, team-oriented culture
What You'll do:
- As Head of Payroll, you will take overall responsibility for payroll operations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
- You'll ensure timely and accurate pay for employees while maintaining full compliance with tax and legal requirements.
- Your responsibilities will include:
- Overseeing full-cycle payroll processing for NI and ROI, ensuring accuracy and timeliness
- Authorising payments (BACs/SEPA) and managing submissions to HMRC and Irish Revenue
- Collaborating with HR, Rewards, and third-party consultants on data changes, upgrades, and project initiatives
- Managing payroll reconciliations, journal entries, and reporting for internal stakeholders
- Leading year-end activities including benefit-in-kind (BIK) processing and share scheme reporting
- Acting as the primary point of contact for payroll-related queries, ensuring responsive service
- Supporting financial planning and audits through detailed payroll analysis and forecasting
- Driving continuous improvement, ensuring compliance with policies, controls, and evolving legislation
About you:
- You're a strategic payroll leader who combines technical expertise with a hands-on approach.
- You excel under pressure and maintain a strong commitment to compliance and service excellence.
- Minimum 5 years' experience in payroll processing with deep knowledge of NI and ROI PAYE systems
- A proven track record in managing high-volume, complex payroll operations
- Strong analytical mindset with great attention to detail and a problem-solving attitude
- Experience with payroll systems and leading system testing or upgrades
- Ability to work independently, meet tight deadlines, and maintain accuracy
- Skilled in process improvement, change delivery, and stakeholder communication
For further information on this vacancy, or any other Accountancy & Finance job in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Chanel Gillen in the strictest confidence.
Head of Payroll employer: VanRath
Contact Detail:
VanRath Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Payroll
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the payroll industry, especially those who have experience in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in payroll management.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific payroll legislation and compliance requirements for both regions. This knowledge will not only boost your confidence during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated in a constantly evolving field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with payroll systems and any upgrades or changes you've led. Highlighting your hands-on approach and problem-solving skills will show that you can effectively manage complex payroll operations.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to showcase your analytical mindset by discussing specific examples of how you've improved payroll processes in the past. This will illustrate your ability to drive continuous improvement and ensure compliance, which is crucial for the Head of Payroll role.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payroll
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in payroll processing, especially your knowledge of NI and ROI PAYE systems. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to manage high-volume payroll operations.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your strategic leadership skills and your commitment to compliance and service excellence. Mention your experience with payroll systems and any successful projects you've led.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles where you oversaw payroll operations. Include metrics or achievements that illustrate your success in ensuring accuracy and compliance in payroll processing.
Prepare for Potential Questions: Anticipate questions related to payroll legislation and your approach to managing payroll reconciliations and reporting. Be ready to discuss how you drive continuous improvement in payroll processes.
How to prepare for a job interview at VanRath
✨Showcase Your Payroll Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in payroll processing, especially your knowledge of NI and ROI PAYE systems. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've navigated complex payroll operations and ensured compliance with evolving legislation.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Skills
Given the role's emphasis on analytical mindset and attention to detail, come ready to share instances where your analytical skills have led to successful problem-solving. Discuss how you approach payroll reconciliations and reporting, as this will showcase your capability to handle high-volume operations.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
This position requires collaboration with HR, Finance, and third-party consultants. Prepare to talk about your experience working in team-oriented environments and how you've successfully partnered with other departments to drive payroll improvements and project initiatives.
✨Prepare for Compliance Questions
Since compliance is a key aspect of the role, be ready to answer questions related to tax and legal requirements in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Familiarise yourself with recent changes in payroll legislation and be prepared to discuss how you ensure compliance in your current or previous roles.
