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Who Are Azets
Azets are a leading firm of Accountants and Business Advisers operating across the UK, Ireland and the Nordics, we have over a wide network of employees and an abundance of inspiring opportunities to join one of our many offices!
We are a top ten accountancy firm in the UK and are the number one largest SME practice.
Role description
Purpose Of The Role
The Associate Director of Payroll Services plays a critical leadership role in supporting the Director of Payroll to deliver the strategic objectives of the Payroll service line. The role combines operational leadership, commercial acumen, client relationship management, and data-driven performance oversight to ensure exceptional service delivery, sustainable growth, and continuous improvement.
The Associate Director will oversee payroll operations, lead high-performing teams, drive client satisfaction, support business growth initiatives, and act as a senior escalation point for clients and colleagues. They will utilise operational and commercial data to identify opportunities, improve performance, enhance profitability, and support the successful execution of the Payroll strategy.
Key Responsibilities Will Include
Strategy & Business Performance
- Support the Director in delivering the Payroll strategy and business objectives.
- Drive continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and service excellence.
- Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and enhanced client value.
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Operational Leadership
- Oversee day-to-day payroll operations to ensure service, quality, and compliance standards are met.
- Monitor team performance, capacity, and resource planning.
- Lead operational improvements and manage risk effectively.
Data & Performance Oversight
- Analyse operational and commercial data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
- Monitor KPIs and drive accountability for performance outcomes.
- Provide insight and recommendations to support decision-making and business growth.
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Support and develop key client and Partner relationships.
- Act as a senior point of contact for strategic clients and internal stakeholders.
- Ensure high levels of client satisfaction and service delivery.
- Act as a senior escalation point for complex client and operational issues.
- Manage complaints and service issues, ensuring timely resolution and continuous improvement.
Commercial Support
- Support revenue growth, client retention, and profitability objectives.
- Identify cross-selling and service development opportunities.
- Assist with pricing reviews, commercial analysis, and business development initiatives.
Leadership & Development
- Lead, coach, and develop payroll managers and teams.
- Foster a high-performance, collaborative, and client-focused culture.
- Support talent development, succession planning, and employee engagement.
Essential
Additional Skills, Attributes and Responsibilities include:
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- Significant experience in a senior payroll leadership or management role.
- Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, compliance, and payroll operations.
- Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate teams.
- Experience managing client relationships and senior stakeholders.
- Strong commercial awareness with an understanding of profitability, growth, and client retention.
- Experience using data and KPIs to drive performance and inform decision-making.
- Ability to manage complex issues, escalations, and complaints effectively.
- Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills.
- Strong organisational, planning, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability to lead change and continuous improvement initiatives.
Desirable
- CIPP qualification or equivalent.
- Experience within a payroll outsourcing, professional services, or accountancy environment.
- Experience supporting business development and growth initiatives.
- Experience leading system implementations, process improvements, or transformation projects.
- Knowledge of related services such as pensions, employment taxes, or HR solutions.
- Experience managing multi-site or geographically dispersed teams.
Our benefits include hybrid & flexible working, birthday leave, professional subscription and much more. You can find out more about how we reward our colleagues - Careers | Rewards And Benefits | Azets UK
Interested in hearing more about Life at Azets
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