Assistant Payroll Manager – Oxfordshire

About the role

We are looking for an Assistant Payroll Manager to support the Payroll Manager in delivering accurate, compliant and efficient payroll services for our UK operations. Based in Oxfordshire, you will act as the deputy, overseeing payroll processing for around 500 employees and assisting with additional UK and EMEA payrolls.

Key responsibilities

• Process monthly payrolls accurately and on time for approximately 500 staff and support other UK/EMEA payrolls as required.
• Handle salary changes, overtime, bonuses, deductions, statutory payments, pensions and auto‑enrolment.
• Validate payroll data, perform reconciliations, variance analysis, journal entries and balance control accounts.
• Ensure compliance with UK payroll legislation, HMRC RTI submissions and year‑end activities (P60s, P11Ds).
• Maintain payroll records, audit trails and system data in ADP, Sage, Workday, SAP or similar platforms.
• Monitor payroll inboxes, investigate discrepancies and resolve employee queries.
• Support system upgrades, testing, process improvements and related projects.
• Provide guidance, training and day‑to‑day support to payroll administrators.
• Supervise payroll operations during the Payroll Manager’s absence.

Required profile

• Minimum 3 years of payroll experience, preferably in high‑volume, multi‑site environments.
• Previous supervisory or team‑lead experience.
• Strong knowledge of UK tax, NIC and payroll legislation.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and problem‑solving abilities.

Required skills

• Proficiency with payroll systems such as ADP, Sage, Workday or SAP.
• Advanced Excel and data‑handling skills.