KPMG UK
Client Payroll Manager - Birmingham/Manchester
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Client Payroll Manager - Birmingham/Manchester
Client Payroll Manager – Manager (Permanent)
Location
Birmingham, London, Manchester
Job Type
Full-time, Permanent position in Tax Managed Services
About the Role
The Client Payroll Manager is responsible for managing and assuring the delivery of operational payroll projects for KPMG bureau-based clients.
This role requires an experienced Payroll Manager with deep expertise to:
- Provide expert technical support across approximately 350 client payrolls, including UK, modified, and shadow payrolls for both domestic and international clients.
- Oversee a payroll portfolio ranging from single employee to over 500+ staff.
- Ensure timely, accurate, and complaint payroll processing with exceptional client service.
The manager will also be accountable for client service management and service level agreement (SLA) delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Client & Service Delivery
- Take ownership of defined client relationships, ensuring strong stakeholder engagement.
- Lead a payroll team (onsite and offshore) to process 350+ client payrolls while maintaining UK and international compliance.
- Address escalations, complex queries, and international payroll challenges, including expatriate scenarios.
- Ensure payroll deadlines are met with precision and composure under pressure.
- Conduct reviews, reconciliations, and audits to validate payroll accuracy and compliance.
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Operational Excellence
- Maintain commercial and scope discipline while delivering high-quality service.
- Support severance payrolls and new client onboarding, ensuring smooth transitions.
- Act as the primary technical point of contact for payroll queries, providing clear, concise, and actionable solutions.
- Collaborate with internal teams to resolve cross-border payroll issues efficiently.
Training & Process Improvement
- Contribute to standard operating procedures (SOPs), checklists, and training materials.
- Share technical insights and best practices to foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
Essential Requirements
Experience & Technical Knowledge
- 5+ years of payroll management experience, preferably in a multi-payroll environment.
- Experience with UK, modified, and shadow payrolls (highly desirable).
- CIPP qualification (preferred) or equivalent payroll certifications.
- In-depth knowledge of PAYE, National Insurance (NIC), and pension regulations.
- Proven ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and maintain accuracy.
Soft Skills
- Advanced problem-solving and attention to detail.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with ability to align terminology with client and team needs.
- Proficient in payroll software (e.g., Sage, Star) and Microsoft Office.
- Self-motivated and adaptable, thriving both independently and collaboratively.
- Anticipatory mindset to identify risks proactively.
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Professional Attributes
- Integrity, professionalism, and client-centric approach.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
Nice to Haves
- Experience in a payroll bureau environment.
- Hands-on experience with expat, shadow, or modified payroll systems.
Ask About KPMG
KPMG’s global practice spans Tax & Law, Risk Advisory, Deal Advisory, and Consulting, offering dynamic roles across multiple specialisms:
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Ready to join the team? Register your interest or start your application today.
Permanent, Full-time roles available in ☘️ [Manchester] ✅ [Birmingham]. We facilitate hybrid/remote work arrangements subject to eligibility.
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