Payroll Manager

KennedPearce are hiring a Payroll Manger for a global media agency based in Hammersmith on a hybrid basis. This is a contract role for 4-6 months and we are looking to speak with Immediate candidates. Key duties include managing day-to-day payroll processing activities across UK lines of business while serving as the subject-matter expert for the overall payroll process and ensuring timely and accurate delivery in a fast-paced environment. This role is accomplished through leadership of 3-4 team members and management of diverse stakeholders across the respective businesses.

Core Responsibilities

• Ensure timely and accurate payroll processing, statutory reporting, and audit support for UK lines of business
• Manage and develop direct reports to support payroll operations and succession planning
• Adapt departmental plans and priorities to address resource and operational challenges
• Ensure employees receive accurate remuneration on the published pay dates, thereby ensuring that the Company meets its contractual obligations
• Approve monthly, quarterly, annual and other periodicity reports to the management of the Company, local authorities and other recipients
• Resolve all assigned payroll-related queries from employees and legal entity stakeholders in a professional and timely manner, escalating further as necessary
• Resolve legal entity questions and/or concerns regarding the payroll process
• Oversee required disbursements to third parties and ensure statutory deadlines are met
• Oversee and ensure payroll compliance in accordance with audit controls and procedures
• Troubleshoot SAP technical issues at a high level (e.g., Payroll Control Center, GL posting discrepancies, etc.)
• Propose enhancements as appropriate to address improvement and efficiency opportunities

Operational Lead

• Oversee Stock Options/RSU and LTIC payments for local and country transfers
• Support defining local technical and functional requirements as required
• Facilitate payroll involvement with global and local initiatives when appropriate
• Provide strategic support for ongoing operations
• Share best practices/processes/systems across countries
• Ensure consistency in regulatory compliance and Internal Controls
• Provide advice and direction regarding payroll process, compliance, and best practice/processes
• Facilitate collaboration between local payroll teams and other global functional teams to implement new programs/initiatives, resolve issues, share solutions

The candidate:

• Payroll management qualification
• Significant related experience, ideally leading a payroll team for a large multi-national employer
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll practices, regulations and taxes