Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager Exeter / Flexible Location Competitive Salary + Benefits About the Company W Talent Finance is a specialist recruitment partner dedicated to placing high-calibre accounting professionals across both practice and commerce & industry markets worldwide. With a deep understanding of the finance landscape, we support clients ranging from leading professional services firms to established regional practices and multi-service professional groups, delivering tailored talent solutions that drive business performance. We are partnering with a well-established firm of Chartered Accountants, Tax Consultants and Business Advisers with almost 60 years of heritage and a strong reputation across Devon and the wider UK. The firm provides a broad range of accounting, tax, management accounting and business advisory services to a diverse portfolio of business and individual clients. With a strong focus on building lasting relationships, the organisation has developed an excellent reputation across its client base, its people and the communities it serves. The organisation promotes a culture built around trust, teamwork and continuous development. It places significant emphasis on supporting its people, providing opportunities to develop professionally while maintaining a strong focus on reputation, commerciality and sustainability. The Role As a Payroll Manager, you will take a lead role within the firm's established and growing payroll team, ensuring the accurate, timely and professional delivery of payroll services across a diverse portfolio of clients. You will be responsible for managing and developing a team of Payroll Advisors and Seniors, allocating workloads and ensuring key payroll deadlines and client expectations are consistently met. Working closely with the Practice Manager and Managing Partner, you will play an important role in supporting team performance, maintaining high operational standards and continuing to develop the firm's payroll service. This opportunity would suit an experienced Payroll Manager or a Senior Payroll Advisor looking to take the next step in their career. Previous experience within an accountancy practice is essential, with knowledge of NHS pension schemes, Sage 50 and advanced Excel considered advantageous. Key Responsibilities Lead, manage and support a team of experienced Payroll Advisors and Seniors Allocate and manage team workloads, ensuring appropriate cover during periods of annual leave and key deadlines Liaise with the Practice Manager and Managing Partner regarding team performance and operational matters Manage and process a portfolio of client payrolls across multiple pay frequencies Oversee payroll reporting and RTI submissions Complete month-end and year-end payroll processes, including P45s and P60s Maintain accurate and timely payroll records and documentation Develop, maintain and follow effective internal payroll processes and procedures Manage Auto Enrolment pension requirements, including enrolment, re-enrolment and declarations of compliance Prepare and submit CIS returns, including subcontractor verification, CIS calculations and vouchers Support clients with payroll software and technical queries where they manage their own payroll Set up payroll, CIS and pension schemes for new and existing clients Prepare payroll calculations including holiday pay, statutory payments and redundancy payments Respond to client and internal payroll queries in a professional and timely manner Provide support with ad-hoc duties and wider departmental requirements as required About You Solid payroll knowledge and experience, with a thorough understanding of senior payroll responsibilities Previous experience managing or leading a team, ideally within a payroll environment Experience working within an accountancy practice Strong understanding of payroll processes, legislation and compliance requirements Excellent numerical skills, with the ability to perform payroll calculations and reconciliations accurately Meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines Comfortable working independently and making confident decisions using your own initiative Strong organisational and communication skills Professional and confident telephone manner Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Outlook and Word Client-focused approach with a commitment to delivering a high-quality serviceDesirable: Knowledge of Sage 50 Payroll Working knowledge of NHS, NEST and SMART pension schemes Advanced Excel skills, including VLOOKUPs and pivot tables, particularly for reporting and reconciliations What's on Offer Competitive salary, depending on experience Opportunity to lead and develop an established payroll team Join a well-established and highly regarded accountancy and business advisory firm Supportive, collaborative and people-focused working environment Flexible location, with attendance required at the Exeter office for meetings Excellent opportunities for professional and career development Employee-focused culture with a strong emphasis on learning and continuous development Opportunity to work with a diverse portfolio of business and individual clients Pension and wider employee benefits