EA First
Payroll Manager

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
EA First is partnering with an established national charity in Birmingham to recruit a Payroll Manager. This is an opportunity to lead a vital service that ensures colleagues are paid accurately and on time, while strengthening payroll controls, systems and ways of working. The role is paying £42,000 - £43,000 per annum, plus hybrid working.
Our client is a large, purpose led charity that supports people across the UK. Its services help individuals build greater independence and move towards more positive futures. The organisation values inclusion, professional development and flexible ways of working, and offers the scale and complexity that make this an interesting payroll leadership opportunity.
About the Role
The Payroll Manager will be responsible for delivering an accurate, compliant and customer focused payroll service. Key responsibilities include:
- Lead and manage the end to end payroll process, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
- Maintain compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, pension regulations and statutory reporting obligations.
- Lead, support and develop the payroll team, setting clear expectations and promoting a responsive service.
- Oversee payroll reconciliations, pension administration, statutory submissions and third-party payments.
- Manage and improve payroll systems, controls, policies, procedures and supporting documentation.
- Work closely with Finance, People and Organisational Development, external payroll providers and other stakeholders.
- Produce payroll reports, management information and analysis to support operational and financial decisions.
- Provide clear advice on complex payroll matters and resolve issues with accuracy and sound judgement.
- Identify and deliver improvements to payroll processes, systems and service quality.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Requirements
We are looking for an experienced payroll professional who can combine technical knowledge with effective team leadership. You will bring:
- Significant experience managing end to end payroll within a medium sized or large organisation.
- Strong knowledge of PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, pensions and HMRC reporting.
- Experience leading, developing and motivating a payroll team.
- A strong working knowledge of payroll systems, including involvement in implementations, upgrades or process improvements.
- Excellent reconciliation and analytical skills, with the ability to investigate and resolve complex discrepancies.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and confidence working with payroll data and management reports.
- Clear communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to advise colleagues at all levels.
- A high level of accuracy, integrity and discretion when handling sensitive information.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
A payroll qualification such as CIPP, experience in the charity, housing, education or public sector, and knowledge of HR and payroll system integration would be advantageous but are not essential.
Benefits
Payroll Manager:
- Salary of £42,000 - £43,000 per annum.
- Hybrid and flexible working, where the needs of the role allow.
- 25 days annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays.
- Employer pension contribution, subject to scheme eligibility.
- Health cash plan, cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan.
- Enhanced family, dependent and bereavement leave provisions, subject to the relevant policy and eligibility criteria.
- Learning and development opportunities.
- Access to Blue Light Card discounts.
EA First Ltd are acting as an Employment Agency for this permanent vacancy.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London