Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager | Preston | Fully onsite | Up to £60,000

Robert Half is partnering with a well-established business in the Preston area to recruit a Payroll Manager to lead its payroll function across a large, multi-site operation.

Operating across several sectors, including distribution, manufacturing and retail, the business offers a varied environment and an opportunity to take ownership of a complex payroll function.

Reporting to the Group Finance Director, you'll lead an established payroll team, overseeing both internal group payrolls and an external payroll bureau service supporting independent businesses.

The Role

• Oversee the end-to-end processing of multiple payrolls across the group, ensuring the accurate and timely payment of salaries, bonuses and deductions.
• Manage payroll compliance, keeping up to date with HMRC legislation, statutory reporting and employment-related requirements.
• Oversee pension contributions, reconciliations and associated reporting.
• Manage RTI submissions, P60s, P11Ds and other statutory returns, alongside requirements such as Gender Pay Gap reporting.
• Review and post payroll journals, reconcile payroll-related balance sheet accounts and ensure accurate financial records.
• Produce payroll cost reports and analysis to support budgeting, forecasting and wider financial planning.
• Act as the main point of contact for payroll-related audit queries, working with internal and external auditors.
• Manage post-payroll queries, resolving issues efficiently and maintaining effective communication with employees and stakeholders.
• Lead, develop and support the payroll team, overseeing performance, training and day-to-day operations.
• Support the implementation of legislative changes, new payroll schemes and wider finance and HR projects.
• Oversee the payroll bureau service, ensuring a consistent and reliable service for external clients.

About You

• Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll within a complex or multi-payroll environment.
• Strong working knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and pension schemes.
• Previous experience leading, managing or developing a payroll team.
• Good understanding of payroll journals, reconciliations and payroll-related financial reporting.
• Confident using payroll software and Microsoft Excel.
• Highly organised, with excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• A confident communicator, comfortable working with finance, HR and operational stakeholders.
• CIPP qualified, or working towards a relevant payroll qualification, would be advantageous.

The Opportunity

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a broad payroll function within an established business, combining operational delivery, team leadership, technical compliance and financial reporting.

You'll have direct exposure to senior finance leadership and the opportunity to influence payroll processes across a varied group structure.

Salary & Benefits

• Salary up to £60,000, depending on experience.
• 30 days' annual leave, including bank holidays.
• Enhanced pension and life insurance.
• Free onsite parking.

If you're an experienced payroll professional looking for a role with genuine ownership, team leadership and responsibility across a varied business, I'd be interested in speaking with you. Please get in touch for a confidential discussion.

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