Head of Payroll | Senior Payroll Manager | Payroll Manager
| Posting date: | 06 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £40,000.0 to £60,000.0 per year |
| Additional salary information: | up to £60,000 |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 08 March 2026 |
| Location: | Darlington, County Durham, DL1 5SW |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 2 days per week |
| Company: | Hays Specialist Recruitment |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 4767714_1770391506 |
Summary
Your new company
I am working with a leading Chartered Accountancy Practice with offices across Yorkshire and the North East.
Your new role
This is a newly created role due to the forthcoming retirement of the current incumbent. Managing a payroll team of 6, this Head of Payroll role isn't just about managing processes - it's about shaping the future of how the Practice manages payroll across the firm. You'll have the chance to influence strategy, introduce best practices, and make a real impact on how they support their clients and people.
What You'll Be Doing
- Lead and develop our payroll function to deliver an exceptional experience for clients
- Inspire, coach, and develop a high-performing payroll team
- Develop and deliver a payroll strategy that supports the firm's goals
- Drive improvements and efficiencies using modern systems and digital tools
- Ensure compliance and governance while introducing innovative solutions
- Act as a trusted advisor on payroll matters across the firm
What you'll need to succeed
It is essential that you have extensive experience of and are currently working within a high-volume multi-payroll bureau or practice environment.
You will have:
- Proven experience in payroll leadership or senior payroll management
- Strong understanding of payroll legislation and compliance
- Ability to think strategically and deliver operational excellence
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Tech-savvy and comfortable with digital payroll systems
- Knowledge of BACS processes and pension scheme complexities.
What you'll get in return
Benefits include:-
- Flexible working (option of 4 days a week)
- Hybrid working post-probation
- Darlingon based, you have the option to work one day a week from one of their other Yorkshire/North East offices
- 25 days holiday plus BH
- Death in Service
- Enhanced Pension
- Multi-benefit additional benefits such as shopping vouchers, eye care, dental care
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
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