Payroll Manager

# Payroll Manager Job Introduction Payroll Manager Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 Location: Faversham, Head Office Overview Avante is entering a major phase of payroll transformation, offering an exciting opportunity for an experienced Payroll Manager to drive meaningful change. This role goes beyond delivering accurate and compliant payroll - it's about modernising a complex, long-established environment.With multiple payroll runs and legacy processes in place, you'll play a key role in simplifying operations, improving team capability, and embedding a more efficient, system-led payroll function.Reporting to the Head of Finance, this position sits at the centre of a wider finance and systems transformation programme. About You You're a strong Payroll Manager who is comfortable working hands-on while leading change in a complex environment.You will bring: Experience managing payroll in a complex or multi-site organisation (social care, healthcare, or similar is advantageous) Strong knowledge of payroll systems, ideally Staffology or similar cloud-based platforms Excellent systems aptitude, including HR/payroll integrations (e.g. Workforce) Experience managing multiple payroll cycles, legacy processes, or fragmented structures A track record of process improvement, transformation, or system implementation Strong leadership skills, with the ability to develop and support teams through change A pragmatic, confident approach to improving established ways of working Strong attention to detail with a broader strategic mindset What Makes This Role Exciting The opportunity to modernise and shape a key function The chance to simplify complexity and create lasting impact Exposure to modern, integrated systems A supportive environment focused on improvement and investment in people Key Responsibilities Lead the end-to-end payroll function within a complex social care environment, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery across multiple payrolls Take ownership of payroll transformation activity, reviewing and redesigning existing processes, controls, and ways of working Support the consolidation and simplification of four existing payroll runs, working towards a more efficient payroll structure Act as a key driver of change, helping to shift a long-established team towards new systems, processes, and behaviours Provide hands-on expertise in payroll systems, particularly Staffology , ensuring optimal use of system capability Work closely with HR colleagues to ensure effective integration between payroll and the HR system ( Workforce ) Identify and address legacy payroll rules, working with stakeholders to standardise and modernise where appropriate Lead, develop, and upskill payroll team members, building confidence in system-led payroll processing Ensure compliance with statutory requirements, internal controls, and audit standards Act as a trusted partner to the Head of Finance, providing insight, reporting, and recommendations to support strategic decision-making Oversight of Avante's four pension schemes including ensuring compliance with auto enrolment requirements Support with staff cost budgets and staff costings for new projects Person Specification Qualifications Essential: CIPP qualification (Level 5 preferred) or equivalent experience Candidates with substantial payroll leadership experience in complex environments will also be considered Desirable: Additional qualifications in finance, HR, or systems Experience Essential: Proven experience in a Payroll Manager or senior payroll leadership role within a complex organisation Experience managing multiple payroll cycles and navigating operational complexity Demonstrable track record of delivering payroll transformation, process improvement, or change initiatives Experience leading, developing, and upskilling payroll teams Hands-on experience with payroll systems (ideally Staffology or similar cloud-based platforms) Experience working with integrated HR/payroll systems (e.g. Workforce or equivalent) Strong stakeholder management experience, including working with Finance, HR, and senior leadership Desirable: Experience within social care, healthcare, or other high-volume, multi-site sectors Experience rationalising payroll structures (e.g. consolidating multiple payroll runs) Involvement in system implementations or upgrades Skills Strong end-to-end payroll processing expertise, with high levels of accuracy and attention to detail Advanced systems aptitude with the ability to quickly understand, optimise, and improve payroll technologies Analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret complex payroll rules and data Change management skills, with the ability to drive adoption of new processes and systems Excellent communication skills, able to explain complex payroll matters to non-specialists Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, particularly in a fast-paced, changing environment Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery Knowledge Up-to-date knowledge of UK payroll legislation, statutory requirements, and compliance obligations Understanding of payroll controls, audit requirements, and risk management Knowledge of payroll best practice, including process standardisation and automation Awareness of system integrations between payroll and HR platforms Understanding of the challenges associated with legacy payroll rules and how to modernise them Qualities Demonstrable evidence of Avante's SPARKLE values Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to operate effectively during periods of change and ambiguity Proactive and solutions-focused, with a continuous improvement mind-set Confident in challenging the status quo in a constructive and professional manner Strong leadership presence, with the ability to engage, motivate, and develop a long-established team Collaborative approach, building strong relationships across Finance, HR, and operational teams High level of integrity and accountability, particularly when handling sensitive payroll data Pragmatic and hands-on, willing to "roll up sleeves" while also driving longer-term transformation Payroll Manager Salary £50000 - £55000 Frequency Annual Job Reference avantecare/TP/16125/779 Contract Type Full Time Closing Date 29 April, 2026 Job Category Business support management Service/ Department Finance Location Faversham, United Kingdom Posted on 15 April, 2026