Payroll Controller

Payroll Controller

Location: Salford, Manchester
Contract Type: Hybrid, Full-Time, 40 Hours per Week
Salary: Up to £38,000 per annum (depending on experience)

The Role:

We are seeking an experienced Payroll Controller to join a busy and collaborative payroll team. This is a key role responsible for ensuring the accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of payroll services across the UK and ROI.

Reporting to the Payroll Control Manager, you will take ownership of payroll processing, statutory reporting, reconciliations, and payroll-related financial controls, while providing expert payroll support across the wider business.

This is a hybrid position. During the initial six-month training period, you will be expected to attend the office approximately three days per week, reducing to two days per week thereafter.

Key Responsibilities

• Process accurate and timely payrolls in line with statutory legislation, company policies, and contractual requirements.
• Complete end-to-end payroll activities, including gross-to-net calculations, payslips, payment files, financial postings, and auto-enrolment administration.
• Ensure payroll costs are accurately reported within the general ledger and balance sheet.
• Manage statutory reporting requirements, including submissions to HMRC and Irish Revenue, year-end processing, and post-year-end adjustments.
• Process interim BACS/SEPA payments, recalls, and manual payroll calculations, including overpayments.
• Administer payroll-related schemes such as childcare vouchers, mileage claims, and employee loans.
• Reconcile payroll balance sheet accounts and produce payroll reports.
• Reconcile and settle payments with third-party providers, including unions, voluntary benefit schemes, and childcare voucher providers.
• Ensure all payroll data changes are independently verified and accurately recorded.
• Provide payroll expertise and support to stakeholders across the business.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and security of payroll systems and employee data.
• Escalate any payroll process or policy compliance issues where appropriate.
• Support the wider payroll team with day-to-day administrative activities.

Skills & Experience Required:

• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory compliance requirements.
• Advanced Excel skills.
• Excellent communication and customer service abilities.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in a changing environment.
• Quick learner with the ability to absorb and apply new information effectively.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of ROI payroll legislation and processes.
• Experience using SAP HR/Payroll.
• VBA and Macro experience.

What's on Offer?

• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Competitive salary of up to £38,000.
• Opportunity to join a supportive and collaborative payroll function.
• Exposure to complex payroll operations across the UK and ROI.
• Ongoing development and career progression opportunities.