Payroll Manager

Payroll Manager - Accountancy Practice

Workington - Cumbria

Competitive Salary + Excellent 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 independent practices, delivering tailored talent solutions that drive business performance.

We are partnering with a highly regarded and well-established boutique accountancy practice based in Carlisle , providing a full range of services to owner-managed businesses, family companies, and individual clients across the region.

The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering accurate, reliable, and proactive financial support, with payroll forming a key part of its integrated client service offering.

The Role

As Payroll Manager, you will take ownership of the end-to-end payroll function for a diverse client portfolio, ensuring all payrolls are processed accurately, on time, and in full compliance with statutory requirements.

You will act as the key point of contact for payroll-related queries, delivering a high level of service to clients, employees, and internal stakeholders. Alongside day-to-day payroll delivery, you will also play a key role in maintaining system integrity, improving processes, and supporting the continued development of payroll services within the practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional looking to take full ownership of a busy, client-facing payroll function within a respected accountancy practice.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Delivery

Manage end-to-end payroll processing for a portfolio of clients

Process starters, leavers, contract changes, tax code updates, and other payroll amendments

Collate and input payroll data including timesheets, expenses, and variable payments

Calculate statutory payments including SSP, SMP, SPP, and other leave-related entitlements

Process salary sacrifice arrangements and other employee benefit schemes

Apply annual pay reviews, increments, and cost of living adjustments

Compliance & Accuracy

Ensure all payroll processes are fully compliant with HMRC regulations and statutory requirements

Prepare and submit RTI returns to HMRC accurately and on time

Manage pension submissions, including auto-enrolment processes and provider uploads

Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure robust audit trails are in place

Conduct regular reconciliations and system checks to ensure data integrity

Client Service & Communication

Act as the main point of contact for payroll queries from clients and employees

Provide clear, professional advice and support on payroll matters

Respond promptly to enquiries via phone, email, and in person

Produce payroll reports and management information for clients, including gross-to-net reporting

Support billing processes through preparation of payroll-related client invoices

Systems & Process Management

Maintain and update payroll procedures and guidance notes

Work closely with internal teams to support payroll system updates, testing, and improvements

Support the development of efficient payroll workflows and best practice processes

Contribute to continuous improvement of payroll systems and service delivery

Governance & Reporting

Maintain strong audit controls and support external audit requirements where needed

Ensure compliance with internal policies and procedures

Provide payroll reporting and analysis to support client decision-making

About You

Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll in a high-volume or multi-client environment

Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, NI, tax, and pensions

Confident using payroll systems (Sage 50 experience desirable)

High level of numerical accuracy and attention to detail

Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage deadlines effectively

Excellent communication skills with a client-focused approach

Comfortable working independently and taking ownership of a payroll function

Positive, proactive, and service-oriented mindset

What's on Offer

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunity to take ownership of a busy, varied payroll function

Strong client exposure within a respected boutique practice in Carlisle

Supportive and collaborative working environment

Opportunity to contribute to process improvement and service development

Long-term career stability with scope for progression

How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit your CV via this website or contact W Talent Finance directly for a confidential discussion.