Payroll Manager

Your new company
A large public-sector organisation in Northern Ireland is seeking an experienced Payroll & Employee Benefits Manager to join its centralised finance and shared services function. This organisation supports thousands of employees across multiple operational areas and is currently expanding its payroll capability to enhance service delivery, streamline employee payments, and strengthen compliance. You will join a well-established team that is focused on continuous improvement, strong financial governance, and delivering a high-quality service to internal stakeholders.

Your new role
In this role, you will lead the payroll and employee benefits function, managing a small team and ensuring accurate, timely processing for over 3,000 employees. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Managing the day to day operation of the monthly payroll and employee payments.
• Ensuring accurate processing of travel and expenses, and oversight of agency staff payments.
• Leading payroll reconciliations, deductions, and financial controls in line with policies and legislation.
• Working closely with HR to maintain effective processes for starters, leavers, and changes.
• Ensuring compliance with HMRC requirements, including statutory returns and employee benefit reporting.
• Supporting system improvements and enhancements across payroll and expenses platforms.
• Handling KPIs, reporting, year end tasks and contributing to continuous improvement.
• Managing, developing and supporting payroll staff to ensure high service standards.
• Representing the team on internal committees and deputising for senior finance managers when required.

• A recognised UK payroll qualification (CIPP accredited), relevant degree, or equivalent
  OR
• At least five years' experience managing a payroll function.

• Minimum of three years' experience managing a payroll function (or five years without the qualification route).
• Strong technical payroll knowledge including gross-to-net calculations, PAYE, NIC and statutory payments (SMP, SPP, SSP).
• Up-to-date knowledge of payroll legislation and HMRC requirements.
• Strong bookkeeping skills and understanding of payroll-related accounting processes.
• Confident user of computerised payroll systems and Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively within a structured team environment.

• Competitive public-sector salary at Level 7
• Opportunity to lead a growing payroll and employee benefits function
• Supportive working environment with strong values and professional development opportunities
• The chance to contribute to large-scale organisational improvements across finance and shared services
• Hybrid working options (where applicable) and excellent work-life balance
• Ongoing contract with potential for extension or permanency