Employee & Benefits Manager

Your new company
You'll be joining a large, well-established public sector organisation with a strong reputation for delivering essential services across Northern Ireland. The organisation is currently expanding its Shared Services function and investing in its payroll and employee benefits capabilities to support over 3,000 employees. You'll be based in the Finance Division, working within a collaborative and experienced team environment.
Your new role
As the Payroll and Employee Benefits Manager, you will lead a small but growing team responsible for delivering a comprehensive payroll service. This includes managing a single monthly payroll, overseeing travel claims, ensuring compliance with HMRC requirements, and supervising payments to staffing agencies. You'll play a key role in enhancing systems and processes, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and excellent customer service.Key responsibilities include:
Managing day-to-day payroll operations and ensuring timely processing of all transactions.
Leading and training staff to ensure continuity and resilience within the team.
Overseeing payroll-related reconciliations and general ledger controls.
Ensuring accurate deductions and timely payments for statutory and non-statutory items.
Collaborating with HR to manage new starters and leavers, and addressing overpayments.
Supporting system development and upgrades for payroll and expenses.
Ensuring compliance with HMRC, NILGOSC, and other regulatory bodies.
Maintaining robust records and authorisation controls.
Managing travel claims and agency staff payments in line with policy and tax regulations.
Producing year-end reports and contributing to financial accounting processes.
Driving continuous improvement and developing KPIs for performance monitoring.
Representing the division on internal and external working groups.
Deputising for senior finance colleagues when required.
What you'll need to succeed
To be considered, you must meet one of the following criteria: Hold a recognised UK payroll qualification (CIPP accredited), a relevant degree, or equivalent, with at least 3 years' experience managing a payroll function. OR
Have at least 5 years' experience managing a payroll function without the above qualifications.
You'll also need to demonstrate:
Strong technical payroll knowledge, including PAYE, NI, SMP, SPP, SSP, and current legislation.
Sound bookkeeping and accounting skills.
Proficiency in computerised payroll systems and Microsoft Excel.
Experience with PSA's, P11D's, salary sacrifice schemes, and HMRC expense regulations.
Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively within a structured team.
What you'll get in return
£18.72 per hour
Immediate start
Ongoing temporary role
City Centre role
Access NI required
The chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-profile role within a respected organisation.

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 about your career.