Payroll Manager

Dani at Avocet Commercial Careers is excited to be working with a leading chartered accountancy practice to recruit a Payroll Manager for their Newton Abbot office.

This key leadership position offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced payroll professional to drive service excellence and team development.

About the Client

Our client is a successful firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers in Newton Abbot, providing comprehensive payroll services as a key part of their integrated client offering. They pride themselves on delivering exceptional service quality while maintaining strong client relationships across their diverse portfolio.

About the Role

Reporting to the Partners, this position leads the payroll services division, ensuring operational excellence and maintaining the highest standards of service delivery. The role combines technical expertise with people management, offering the opportunity to make a significant impact on service quality and team development.

Payroll Manager Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end processing of diverse payroll types (monthly, weekly, daily, directors, bonus, and commission)
• Lead and develop the payroll team, including workflow management and performance reviews
• Oversee BACS processing and HMRC submissions under RTI
• Manage pension processing and auto-enrolment procedures
• Handle complex client queries and HMRC liaison
• Review and maintain client fee structures
• Monitor and implement payroll legislation changes
• Prepare performance reports for Partners
• Manage BACS audit preparation and execution
• Ensure compliance with AML requirements
• Create and distribute client communications regarding legislation changes
• Oversee continuous development and training of the payroll team
• Regularly review team performance and implement improvements

Payroll Manager Requirements

• CIPP qualified or qualified by experience
• Substantial payroll management experience, preferably in practice
• Strong technical knowledge of various payroll types and processes
• Proficiency with payroll software (e.g., Sage)
• Experience with accounts production software (CCH desirable)
• Proven team management experience
• Microsoft Office proficiency
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines

Benefits

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (qualified staff)
• Additional day of holiday during Christmas period
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Plus much more!

The Ideal Candidate

We seek a technically strong payroll professional who combines expertise with leadership ability. The successful candidate will demonstrate a track record of managing complex payroll operations while developing team capabilities and maintaining excellent client relationships. They will be proactive, commercially aware, and committed to delivering exceptional service quality.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Dani at Avocet Commercial Careers. We welcome applications from experienced payroll managers seeking a role that combines technical leadership with strategic input.