Business Support Manager

Business Support Manager

About the Role

We are looking for a highly organised and proactive Payroll Services Manager to join our Finance Team within a Group that provides specialist education, residential care, and supported accommodation for children and young people with additional needs.

The Payroll Services Manager will oversee the end-to-end delivery of payroll services across three business lines, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payment. This role is also responsible for managing employee expense compliance, business-related driving checks, and supporting short-term cash flow management in coordination with the wider finance function.

This is a key role in maintaining financial integrity, supporting operational teams, and ensuring that colleagues across the organisation are paid correctly and on time.

Key Responsibilities

Payroll Management

• Manage and process four monthly payrolls across the Group, ensuring all payments are accurate, timely, and compliant with statutory requirements.
• Oversee payroll submissions, reconciliations, and reporting, working closely with HR and site managers to resolve discrepancies.
• Ensure compliance with PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, and statutory deductions.
• Maintain accurate payroll records in line with GDPR and audit standards.
• Support the Finance Operations Manager with payroll-related journals, accruals, and reconciliations.

Expense Compliance and Payments

• Oversee the administration and approval process for staff expense claims via Soldo (or relevant system), ensuring compliance with internal policy and HMRC guidance.
• Carry out checks on high-value or exceptional claims to ensure proper authorisation and supporting evidence.
• Provide training or guidance to managers on correct expense submission procedures.

Employee Business Compliance

• Oversee employee driving compliance, ensuring valid driving licences, insurance, and business-use checks are completed for all staff who drive for work purposes.
• Maintain a central compliance log and follow up with managers on renewals or missing information.

Cash Flow and Financial Support

• Work with the Group Financial Controller and Finance team to assist with short-term cash flow forecasting, including payroll and expense payment scheduling.
• Identify opportunities to improve payment efficiency and timing alignment across payrolls.
• Support internal and external audits relating to payroll and employee-related payments.

Candidate Criteria

Essential:

• Proven experience managing payroll for a medium to large organisation (multi-entity or group structure preferred).
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, statutory reporting, and pension administration.
• Experience using modern payroll and expense management systems (SAGE).
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines under pressure.
• Strong communication skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with HR, operations, and finance colleagues.
• High standards of confidentiality and data protection awareness.

Desirable:

• Experience in the children s care, education, or health & social care sectors.
• Knowledge of HMRC compliance for expenses and benefits in kind.
• Familiarity with cash flow planning or payroll accounting.

Personal Attributes

• Reliable and consistent, with a commitment to accuracy and integrity.
• Calm under pressure and adaptable to changing priorities.
• Team player who builds trust across departments.
• Driven to improve systems and streamline processes.

Reward Package

Salary In the region of £35-40,000

Holiday entitlement of 25 days per annum + bank holidays

Discretionary Bonus Scheme

Company Pension Scheme

Wider staff benefits programme

Business Support Manager - Apply now.