Payroll Senior Manager - Cork (Tax)

Senior Manager - Irish Payroll Operations & Implementations

Location: Cork, Ireland
Business Area: Tax & Law
Contract Type: Full-Time - Permanent

Job Purpose

The Senior Manager - Irish Payroll Operations & Implementations will be responsible for leading end-to-end payroll delivery for Ireland, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely payroll processing in line with Revenue requirements and employment legislation. The role oversees payroll teams, governance, technology, vendor relationships, and continuous improvement initiatives, while acting as a key advisor to senior leadership. The role will also focus on implementation and transition of new payroll clients to EY.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end payroll process for Irish employees, ensuring accurate and timely processing (weekly, fortnightly, monthly as applicable).
• Implement and Transition new clients to EY payroll operate and project management.
• Ensure full compliance with Irish Revenue PAYE Modernisation, PRSI, USC, and statutory reporting requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Irish payroll legislation and ensure changes are implemented effectively.
• Oversee payroll audits (internal and external) and manage compliance reviews.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of payroll professionals, fostering a high-performance and continuous improvement culture.
• Set clear objectives, KPIs, and performance standards for the team.
• Manage staffing, succession planning, and capability development.
• Maintain strong payroll controls and governance frameworks.
• Ensure accurate reconciliations (e.g., payroll to GL, statutory liabilities).
• Mitigate payroll risks and ensure appropriate escalation and resolution processes are in place.
• Lead payroll system enhancements, upgrades, and integrations.
• Drive automation and standardisation initiatives to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Manage relationships with payroll providers and regulatory bodies.
• Monitor vendor SLAs and ensure service delivery meets contractual obligations.
• Provide payroll metrics, dashboards, and insights to senior leadership.
• Support financial reporting, budgeting, and forecasting activities related to payroll.
• Scope new opportunities, develop proposals and participate in oral presentations.

Qualifications & Experience

• Extensive experience (6+ years) in Irish payroll, including leadership experience.
• IPASS qualification (Irish Payroll Association) or equivalent.
• In-depth knowledge of Irish payroll legislation (PAYE Modernisation, PRSI, USC, BIK, pensions).
• Proven experience managing payroll operations in a corporate or shared services environment.
• Proven experience in implementing and transitioning new clients and overseeing the project from start to finish.
• Strong understanding of technology, payroll systems and integrations.
• Strong project management experience and skills.
• Strong analytical skills, interpersonal and written/verbal communication skills; problem-solving ability and attention to detail.
• Excellent client service skills and communication skills.
• Excellent team management skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and coach a team of payroll professionals.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Some experience with global payroll environments or multi-country oversight would also be beneficial.
• Strategic thinking and decision-making.
• Leadership and team development.
• Attention to detail and risk awareness.
• Change and transformation management.
• Communication and client service skills.
• Problem-solving and analytical capability.
• Technology and systems expertise.

Inclusion & Diversity

We hold a collective commitment to foster an environment where all differences are valued and respected, practices are equitable and everyone experiences a sense of belonging: Inclusion, diversity, and equity are part of who we are at EY. We believe that the highest-performing teams maximize the power of different perspectives and backgrounds. These teams are both diverse and inclusive and are willing to invite and learn from other perspectives. Our ability to include various viewpoints into our mindsets, behaviours, and operations is fundamental to driving innovation, building strong relationships, and delivering the best solutions for our clients. We recognise the strength that comes from having a diverse workforce and building a culture where we support all our people to achieve their potential. As an equal opportunities' employer, we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. Reasonable accommodations are offered at every stage of our recruitment process.