Payroll Manager

 A leading arts organisation is seeking a Payroll Manager to join its finance team on a fixed-term maternity cover contract.

This is a standalone role responsible for delivering an accurate and efficient in-house payroll service across multiple employing entities and a diverse workforce. Working closely with Finance, HR and operational teams, you will ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with payroll legislation and continuously improving payroll processes.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional who enjoys managing the full payroll cycle, building strong stakeholder relationships and working within a creative, fast-paced organisation.

Key responsibilities are as follows:

• Manage the end-to-end in-house payroll function across multiple employing entities, ensuring all weekly and monthly payrolls are processed accurately and on time.
• Maintain employee payroll records, including starters, leavers, contractual changes and statutory documentation.
• Manage pension administration, ensuring compliance with auto-enrolment legislation and statutory requirements.
• Process payroll additions and deductions, including statutory payments, pensions, salary attachments and expenses.
• Lead payroll year-end activities, including HMRC submissions and statutory reporting.
• Prepare payroll journals, reconciliations and intercompany recharges.
• Work closely with Finance and HR teams to resolve payroll queries and provide payroll guidance across the organisation.
• Support payroll forecasting, budgeting and payroll modelling.
• Produce payroll reports and analysis, including headcount, absence and other management information.
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, internal controls and payroll best practice.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of payroll systems, processes and reporting.

You will:

• Ideally hold a CIPP qualification or possess equivalent payroll experience.
• Have significant experience managing end-to-end in-house payroll across multiple PAYE schemes and employee groups.
• Have strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, pensions and HMRC requirements.
• Be confident processing payroll for a variety of contract types, including salaried and hourly paid employees.
• Have excellent Excel skills and experience working with payroll systems.
• Demonstrate exceptional attention to detail and the ability to work accurately to tight deadlines.
• Be an excellent communicator with the confidence to build relationships across Finance, HR and operational teams.
• Enjoy working in a collaborative, people-focused environment and delivering a high-quality payroll service.