Business Support Manager

Business Support Manager About the Role We are looking for a highly organised and proactive Payroll Services Manager to join our Finance Team within a Group that provides specialist education, residential care, and supported accommodation for children and young people with additional needs. The Payroll Services Manager will oversee the end-to-end delivery of payroll services across three business lines, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payment. This role is also responsible for managing employee expense compliance, business-related driving checks, and supporting short-term cash flow management in coordination with the wider finance function. This is a key role in maintaining financial integrity, supporting operational teams, and ensuring that colleagues across the organisation are paid correctly and on time. Key Responsibilities Payroll Management * Manage and process four monthly payrolls across the Group, ensuring all payments are accurate, timely, and compliant with statutory requirements. * Oversee payroll submissions, reconciliations, and reporting, working closely with HR and site managers to resolve discrepancies. * Ensure compliance with PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, and statutory deductions. * Maintain accurate payroll records in line with GDPR and audit standards. * Support the Finance Operations Manager with payroll-related journals, accruals, and reconciliations. Expense Compliance and Payments * Oversee the administration and approval process for staff expense claims via Soldo (or relevant system), ensuring compliance with internal policy and HMRC guidance. * Carry out checks on high-value or exceptional claims to ensure proper authorisation and supporting evidence. * Provide training or guidance to managers on correct expense submission procedures. Employee Business Compliance * Oversee employee driving compliance, ensuring valid driving licences, insurance, and business-use checks are completed for all staff who drive for work purposes. * Maintain a central compliance log and follow up with managers on renewals or missing information. Cash Flow and Financial Support * Work with the Group Financial Controller and Finance team to assist with short-term cash flow forecasting, including payroll and expense payment scheduling. * Identify opportunities to improve payment efficiency and timing alignment across payrolls. * Support internal and external audits relating to payroll and employee-related payments. Candidate Criteria Essential: * Proven experience managing payroll for a medium to large organisation (multi-entity or group structure preferred). * Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, statutory reporting, and pension administration. * Experience using modern payroll and expense management systems (SAGE). * Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines under pressure. * Strong communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with HR, operations, and finance colleagues. * High standards of confidentiality and data protection awareness. Desirable: * Experience in the children’s care, education, or health & social care sectors. * Knowledge of HMRC compliance for expenses and benefits in kind. * Familiarity with cash flow planning or payroll accounting. Personal Attributes * Reliable and consistent, with a commitment to accuracy and integrity. * Calm under pressure and adaptable to changing priorities. * Team player who builds trust across departments. * Driven to improve systems and streamline processes. Reward Package *Salary In the region of £35-40,000 *Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum + bank holidays *Discretionary Bonus Scheme *Company Pension Scheme *Wider staff benefits programme Business Support Manager - Apply now