KPMG UK
Client Payroll Manager - Birmingham/Manchester
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Client Payroll Manager - Birmingham/Manchester
Client Payroll Manager
Location: Birmingham or Manchester
About the Role
The role of Client Payroll Manager is to manage and ensure the delivery of operational payroll projects for KPMG bureau-based clients.
To provide expert technical support in delivering approximately 350 client payrolls—spread across UK, modified, and shadow payrolls—for both domestic and international clients. Payrolls range from single-headcount setups to those managing 500+ employees. The role requires a payroll manager with deep expertise, capable of working efficiently under pressure while maintaining accuracy, compliance, and stellar client service.
The manager will oversee client service management and ensure strict service level agreement (SLA) delivery.
UK Client Payroll Operations: Roles & Responsibilities
- Client relationship management – Take ownership of defined client portfolios.
- Payroll execution – Work with both onshore and offshore payroll teams to ensure:
- Timely, accurate, and compliant payroll runs for UK, modified, and shadow payrolls.
- Handling payrolls spanning from single-headcount to large multi-employee regimes (500+).
- Technical expertise – Apply deep understanding to resolve:
- Escalations, complex payroll queries.
- Expatriate and international payroll requirements.
- Deadline adherence – Deliver payrolls within set deadlines while maintaining composure under pressure.
- Quality assurance – Review, conduct checks, and perform reconciliations to ensure outputs meet client expectations and compliance standards.
- Scope control – Maintain commercial discipline in project scope.
- Onboarding support – Assist in integrating new clients into payroll processes with minimal disruption.
- Technical liaison – Act as the primary point of contact for payroll queries, providing clear and solution-focused responses.
- Cross-functional collaboration – Work with internal teams to support cross-border payroll operations.
- Process improvement – Contribute to developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), checklists, and training materials.
- Knowledge sharing – Share technical insights and best practices to sustain an enabling learning culture.
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Essential Skills & Qualifications
- Proven experience in payroll management within multi-payroll environments.
- Preferred: Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals (CIPP) qualification.
- Advanced knowledge of:
- UK payroll regulations (e.g., PAYE, NIC, pension compliance).
- Ability to work quickly under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
- Strong technical troubleshooting skills with attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in:
- Payroll software (ideally Sage and/or Star).
- Microsoft Office.
- Self-motivated, capable of both independent work and team collaboration.
- Forward-thinking approach to anticipating risks and resolving issues proactively.
- Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and client-focused mindset.
- Commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
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Additional Attributes
- Preferred: Experience in a client payroll bureau environment.
- Desirable: Hands-on experience with expatriate, shadow, or modified payrolls.
Locations & Flexibility
Open to discussions nationwide, but initially based in either:
- Manchester
- Birmingham
Response to demand includes:
- Potential for off-site or hybrid work arrangements.
- Flexible working hours/patterns.
- Part-time opportunities available.
If flexibility or adjustment is required, contact the recruitment team.
About KPMG
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