Job Title: Payroll Controls and Compliance Associate Director
Location: Manchester / Stockport (Hybrid Working)
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 per annum
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Client Details
We are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Payroll Controls and Compliance Associate Director to join a growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a payroll professional with a strong background in governance, risk and compliance to take ownership of payroll controls across a dynamic organisation.
Based in either Manchester or Stockport with flexible hybrid working, you will play a key role in ensuring payroll processes are accurate, compliant and aligned with internal policies and external regulations.
Description
The key responsibilities of a Payroll Controls and Compliance Associate Director will include:
*Support the Payroll National Service Line in establishing and maintaining robust payroll controls and compliance frameworks for effective client service delivery
*Play a key role in supporting payroll compliance and minimising risk exposure across the service line
*Continuously review and enhance ways of working by evaluating and analysing proposed process and system changes.
*Proactively identify, assess and mitigate risks to service delivery using risk registers and incident reporting frameworks.
*Oversee legislative updates and procedural changes, ensuring all payroll teams remain compliant with current regulations and internal policies.
*Monitor, review, and report on compliance and non-compliance across the Payroll National Service Line, identifying trends and areas for improvement.
*Identify, analyse, and document control weaknesses, providing clear, value-added recommendations to strengthen processes
*Recommend, implement, and support continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, accuracy and compliance.
*Work collaboratively with payroll colleagues at all levels across the organisation to drive best practice.
*Liaise closely with the Director of Payroll Controls and Compliance, while providing line management and support to Payroll Controls & Compliance team members.
*Communicate effectively with stakeholders across multiple locations.
*Contribute to the development and execution of strategies relating to risk management, controls, and governance.
Profile
The successful Payroll Controls and Compliance Associate Director will have:
*Experienced payroll professional ideally at manager level

*Proven practice in designing and implementing controls to mitigate risk

*Confident understanding key risks of non-compliance based on your experience and knowledge of best practice

*Experience of payroll incident investigation, providing recommendations and managing implementation of recommendations.

*Strong analytical skills with high attention to detail
*Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
*Ability to lead projects and influence process improvements
*Relevant payroll or finance qualifications (e.g., CIPP) are desirable


Job Offer
*Competitive salary of up to £55,000
*Hybrid working model offering flexibility between home and office
*Generous holiday allowance
*Pension scheme
*Professional development opportunities
*Supportive and collaborative working environment