Payroll Manager

Fantastic role in the public sector; outstanding benefits including flexible hybrid working

Payroll Manager
Permanent & Fulltime
Carmarthenshire
£35-38,500 per annum

I am looking for a meticulous and proactive Payroll Control Manager to lead a small team and ensure accurate, compliant, and timely payroll for a large, diverse workforce of around 8,000 people. You will be the subject-matter expert on payroll controls, reconciliations, tax deductions, overtime calculations and monthly payroll analysis, driving continuous improvement and providing clear management information to senior stakeholders.

Key responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end payroll controls for a workforce of c. 8,000, ensuring accuracy and on-time delivery.
• Supervise and develop direct reports, setting priorities, reviewing work and supporting training.
• Reconcile payroll balances for each pay period and investigate and resolve variances.
• Validate tax deductions and ensure PAYE, NIC and other statutory deductions are applied correctly.
• Calculate and apply monthly overtime deductions and other variable pay elements; ensure calculations follow policy and contracts.
• Perform payroll analysis and produce clear MI for Finance and HR (cost analysis, headcount trends, exception reporting).
• Maintain and improve payroll controls and processes, including month-end procedures and audit trails.
• Liaise with HMRC, pension providers and third-party suppliers as required to resolve queries and ensure compliance.
• Support payroll audits and provide documentation and explanations for internal and external reviews.
• Drive system improvements and automation opportunities, working with IT and payroll software providers.

You will need proven payroll experience managing large-scale payrolls (preferably 5,000+ employees) and leading a small team. You must have strong technical knowledge of UK payroll legislation, PAYE, NIC, statutory payments and pension auto-enrolment.

Experience with overtime calculations and variable pay processing is also essential, as is some understanding of the wider finance process; excellent reconciliation and control skills. You will need advanced Excel skills.
This role will suit someone with an analytical mindset and the ability to turn payroll data into actionable insights and clear reports.

Attention to detail, integrity and confidentiality when handling sensitive employee data, as well as good communication skills to work with HR, Finance, suppliers and senior stakeholders.
Relevant payroll qualification (CIPP or equivalent) or demonstrable equivalent experience is desirable.
The benefits are superb:

• Hybrid working and flexible working options.
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Fantastic pension scheme

To be considered for this role, please apply by uploading a current CV. Call Emma Lewis on to discuss the role in detail. #