Full job descriptionPayroll Manager | Southampton | £50k - £60k + Excellent Benefits | Hybrid
Are you an experienced Payroll Manager looking for an opportunity to lead, improve and modernise a payroll function within a large, complex organisation?
We’re recruiting on behalf of a well-established, high-profile organisation seeking an experienced payroll professional to take ownership of a busy payroll operation supporting over 1,000 employees across multiple payrolls. This is a fantastic opportunity to move into a highly visible role where you’ll play a key part in shaping payroll strategy, strengthening controls and driving continuous improvement.
The Role
Reporting into senior finance leadership, you’ll oversee the end-to-end payroll function, ensuring payroll is delivered accurately, compliantly and on time while leading a small payroll team.
This role goes far beyond processing payroll. You’ll be responsible for reviewing and enhancing payroll processes, improving controls, leading systems developments and acting as the organisation’s subject matter expert on payroll legislation and employment taxes
Key Responsibilities
*Manage multiple monthly payrolls, ensuring accurate and timely processing.
*Review payroll outputs, reconciliations and controls prior to sign-off.
*Oversee payroll accounting, reconciliations and month-end reporting.
*Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, pensions and employment taxes.
*Lead payroll audits and act as the key contact for external auditors.
*Drive payroll process improvements, automation and system enhancements.
*Lead the implementation of mandatory payrolling of benefits ahead of future legislative changes.
*Provide expert payroll advice to Finance, HR and senior stakeholders.
*Develop, coach and support the payroll team.
*Maintain strong financial controls and continuously improve payroll governance.
About You
We’re looking for someone who combines strong technical payroll knowledge with excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
You’ll ideally have:
*CIPP qualification (or equivalent).
*Significant experience managing payroll within a large or complex organisation.
*Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, employment taxes and HMRC compliance.
*Experience leading payroll process improvements and system implementations.
*Previous responsibility for payroll reconciliations, controls and audit support.
*Advanced Excel skills.
*Experience using payroll systems such as Workday, Access Payroll or similar.
*Strong leadership, organisation and communication skills.
What’s on Offer?
*£50k - £60k
*Excellent employee benefits package.
*Generous holiday allowance.
*Pension scheme.
*Health & wellbeing initiatives.
*Learning and development opportunities.
*Free parking.
*A collaborative and supportive working environment.
*The opportunity to genuinely influence and improve a well-established payroll function.


This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Payroll Manager who enjoys combining operational delivery with leadership, compliance and continuous improvement.
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact Victoria Prince at Talent Finance.


Talent Finance is committed to promoting Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace. We review all applications on merit and welcome candidates from all backgrounds.