Payroll Manager

At AQA were committed to advancing education and were committed to our people. As the largest provider of academic qualifications in the UK we mark over 10 million exam papers each year and its our people who make this happen.

• Job title: Payroll Manager
• Contract type: Permanent
• Location: Manchester
• Salary: 47000 - 53000
• Working arrangements: Hybrid 2 days in office (Mon/Tue preferred flexible)

Do you want to lead a team that thrives on collaboration and continuous improvement Are you ready to take your payroll expertise to the next level

You’ll join AQA as a Payroll Manager and make a real impact. Payroll is at the heart of our finance operations and in this role you’ll lead a skilled team ensure compliance with UK legislation and drive accuracy and efficiency across all payroll processes. You’ll have the autonomy to innovate streamline systems and processes and introduce best practices that shape the future of our payroll operations.

You’ll play a critical role in ensuring AQA meets all statutory and regulatory payroll requirements across a highly complex payroll environment. With responsibility for 1400 monthly salaried staff and an associate workforce of 40000 you’ll safeguard compliance accuracy and efficiency while driving strategic improvements and system enhancements.

You’ll also oversee payroll governance year-end processes and KPI reporting acting as the subject matter expert on all HMRC-related matters. By collaborating with HR Finance and Enterprise Technology teams you’ll influence decisions and lead projects that shape the future of payroll operations.

• Leading and developing a team of 4 Payroll Administrators (soon to be
  5)
• Managing payroll for salaried staff weekly temps and Associates
• Driving system improvements (iTrent now Workday in future) and process optimisation
• Overseeing payroll governance year-end processes and KPI reporting to ensure accuracy and compliance
• Acting as the subject matter expert on all HMRC-related matters advising stakeholders on policy and procedural changes
• Collaborating with HR Finance and Enterprise Technology teams to deliver system enhancements and lead cross-department projects

• A recognised payroll qualification (CIPP or equivalent). If you dont currently hold this and are qualified by experience we will support you to achieve this in-house.
• Proven leadership experience in high-volume payroll environments
• Expertise in seasonal payroll and complex structures
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience with payroll systems such as iTrent and Workday

• Autonomy to innovate and influence payroll strategy
• Exposure to strategic projects and acquisitions
• Opportunities to lead system transformation
• A supportive collaborative team environment
• Career growth within a respected organisation once you commit to us we commit back

• Flexible working a 35-hour week and 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and Christmas closure)
• A generous pension scheme with up to 11.5% employer contributions
• Private medical insurance health cash plan EV leasing volunteering days and modern offices with gym

At AQA we are committed to fostering a workplace that celebrates diversity and promotes equity and inclusion. We believe that a diverse team brings richer perspectives and drives better outcomes. Our ED&I strategy ensures that everyone regardless of religion ethnicity gender identity or expression age disability sexual orientation or background is valued respected and empowered to thrive. We actively promote inclusive language avoid stereotypes and strive for representation across all dimensions of diversity.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

To apply please submit your CV and cover letter by Wednesday 21 January
. As part of your application you’ll also complete a short questionnaire to help us understand your experience and approach. Interviews will include two stages:

• Stage 1: Week commencing 9 February (via Teams)
• Stage 2: Week commencing 26 February (face-to-face in Manchester with a work sample task)

On…