Wade Macdonald
Interim Payroll Manager
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Interim Payroll Specialist – 6-Month FTC
Location: Near Twickenham, office-based
Salary: £90,000–£100,000 per annum
About the Client
This is a large, operationally complex organisation with a substantial workforce and a payroll function that plays a critical role in keeping the wider business running smoothly. The environment is fast-paced, practical, and people-focused, with a strong emphasis on reliability, accountability, and continuous improvement.
About the Job
This six-month fixed-term contract will combine hands-on payroll leadership with a strategic review of the organisation’s payroll operation. You will take ownership of service continuity, strengthen governance and controls, and provide clear direction on how the function should operate longer term.
Duties will include
- Overseeing the accurate and timely delivery of payroll activity across a large and complex workforce
- Providing senior-level support during periods of absence and increased operational demand
- Helping the team address outstanding work while maintaining agreed service levels
- Reviewing payroll governance, controls, and approval processes to reduce operational risk
- Assessing current workflows, team responsibilities, and service standards
- Identifying inefficiencies, duplicated activity, and areas of vulnerability
- Reshaping responsibilities across the team to improve accountability, effectiveness, and resilience
- Leading the redesign and standardisation of payroll processes, procedures, and documentation
- Ensuring payroll records, controls, and working practices are ready for audit scrutiny
- Reviewing reconciliations, exception reporting, and month-end controls
- Monitoring compliance with relevant payroll legislation and statutory requirements
- Providing clear payroll reporting and insight to senior stakeholders
- Working closely with HR, Finance, and other internal teams to resolve complex payroll matters
- Reviewing payroll systems, data quality, and existing working practices
- Supporting the team through change while maintaining a consistent level of service
- Making practical recommendations for the future structure and direction of the payroll function
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About the Successful Applicant
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You will be an accomplished payroll specialist with extensive experience of leading complex payroll operations and improving processes, controls, and workflows. Comfortable balancing strategic review with hands-on delivery, you will bring strong analytical, stakeholder management, and problem-solving skills. Experience of supporting payroll teams through periods of change, absence, or operational pressure will be essential.
What You Will Receive in Return
You will receive a salary of £90,000–£100,000 per annum on a six-month fixed-term contract. This is an opportunity to make a visible impact within an established organisation, strengthen a critical business function, and support a collaborative team through an important period of improvement. The position is fully office-based near Twickenham.
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