Job Description

Job Title: Payroll Manager

Location:

Wakefield

Reports To:

Head of Finance and Head of HR

Department:

HR/Finance

Job Purpose

The Payroll Manager will be responsible for the end-to-end processing, compliance, and reporting of payroll for all UK employees. This role plays a key part in ensuring accurate and timely payroll operations, financial reconciliation, legislative compliance, and insightful payroll analysis. It will also oversee the development of the payroll administrator and act as a link between HR, Finance, and external stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Compliance

Manage and process accurate monthly and weekly payrolls for all UK employees, including starters, leavers, contractual changes, bonuses, overtime, and deductions. Ensure compliance with all statutory requirements, including PAYE, National Insurance, SSP, SMP, SAP, student loans, and pension auto-enrolment. Manage HMRC submissions including RTI, P11Ds, P60s, and year-end activities. Ensure GDPR compliance in the processing and handling of all personal payroll data.

Payroll Reconciliation & Reporting

Reconcile payroll figures with Finance, including preparation and posting of payroll journals. Perform monthly reconciliations between payroll payments, pension contributions, and PAYE liabilities. Track actual payroll spend against accruals, budgets, and forecasts; investigate and explain variances. Prepare payroll-related balance sheet reconciliations and respond to internal and external audit queries. Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure timely reporting to auditors and regulatory bodies.

Payroll Analysis & Budgeting

Analyse payroll data to identify cost drivers, trends, and anomalies. Prepare and monitor payroll budgets and forecasts in collaboration with Finance. Produce regular payroll cost KPIs and reports for senior management. Conduct pay rate analysis by site and role to support operational decision-making. Track agency pay rates and ensure compliance with Agency Workers Regulations (AWR).

Team Leadership & Collaboration

Supervise, support, and develop the payroll administrator to ensure high standards and continuous improvement. Work closely with HR and Finance teams to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and effective information flow. Lead or contribute to payroll-related projects, such as system implementations, audits, or process improvements. Liaise with external stakeholders, including HMRC, pension providers, and recruitment agencies as required.

Skills & Experience

Proven experience managing UK payrolls, ideally within a fast-paced or multi-site environment. Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation and HMRC requirements. Excellent Excel skills and experience with payroll systems (e.g., ADP, Sage, SAP, or similar). Experience in payroll reconciliations, reporting, and variance analysis. Strong analytical, organisational, and communication skills. Experience managing or mentoring staff. Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities with high attention to detail.
Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 45,000.00-50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Canteen Company pension Free parking On-site parking Transport links
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person