Payroll Manager | Finance & Accounting | Core Operations

FTI Consulting, Inc; London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

Payroll Manager | Finance & Accounting | Core Operations

FTI Consulting is the leading global expert firm for organizations facing crisis and transformation. We work with many of the world’s top multinational corporations, law firms, banks and private equity firms on their most important issues to deliver impact that makes a difference. From resolving disputes, navigating crises, managing risk and optimizing performance, our teams respond rapidly to dynamic and complex situations.

At FTI Consulting, you’ll work side-by-side with leaders who have shaped history, helping solve the biggest challenges making headlines today. From day one, you’ll be an integral part of a focused team where you can make a real impact. You’ll be surrounded by an open, collaborative culture that embraces diversity, recognition, professional development and, most importantly, you.

Are you ready to make your impact?

About The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen in our UK Payroll Team for a UK Payroll Manager based in the London Office. Working in an EMEA region-wide Finance department, we are expanding our country-based finance teams and seeking to build on our existing team of payroll professionals in EMEA. This role will support our growing business in London and will be critical in ensuring payroll operations run smoothly and efficiently.

This role reports to the EMEA Payroll Director and will oversee payroll processing for the UK, ensuring compliance, accuracy, and efficiency as well as managing a small team of payroll specialists. The Payroll Manager will collaborate with HR, Benefits, Compensation, Finance, and other key stakeholders to enhance payroll operations and manage a high-performing team.

What You’ll Do

The UK Payroll Manager will lead the UK payroll function, ensuring the timely and accurate processing of payroll for approximately 1,500 employees. This role will be responsible for managing payroll operations, compliance, and process improvements while providing strategic oversight and leadership to the UK payroll team.

Primary Duties:

• Oversee and manage the end-to-end UK payroll process, ensuring compliance with UK payroll legislation and internal controls.
• Lead a team of payroll professionals, providing guidance, development, and performance management.
• Ensure all payroll data, including starters, leavers, bonuses, overtime, pensions, and benefits, is accurately processed in ADP IHCM NGUX.
• Maintain oversight of PAYE, NI calculations, and Gross to Net reconciliations.
• Review and approve monthly payroll reconciliations and control reports before finalizing payroll sign-off.
• Ensure timely submission of payments to HMRC, pension providers, and other third parties.
• Oversee the reconciliation and submission of P11D and Modified Payroll.
• Work closely with Finance to produce payroll-related journal entries and reporting.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders, including HR, Benefits, Finance, HMRC, and external vendors.
• Keep up to date with UK payroll legislation to ensure compliance and recommend policy or process changes as needed.
• Work with ADP to ensure any system enhancements are implemented and tested correctly and remain compliant with UK law.
• Drive continuous process improvements, automation, and efficiencies within the payroll function.
• Provide strategic payroll insights and reporting to senior leadership.

What You Will Need to Succeed

Key Skills:

• Extensive UK payroll experience (minimum 7 years) with at least 3 years in a managerial role.
• Strong knowledge of ADP IHCM or similar payroll systems.
• Experience in managing end-to-end complex payroll processes with over 1,000 employees.
• In-depth understanding of PAYE, NI, statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SAP, SPP, SHPP), and pension regulations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience mentoring and developing payroll professionals.
• Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel (VLOOKUPs & Pivot Tables).
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines.
• Experience working in fast-paced environments with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Experience in payroll compliance, audits, and process improvements.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a Professional Services environment.
• Knowledge of Shadow Payroll processing.
• Knowledge of partnerships and share schemes.

Our goal is to support the wellbeing of you and your families—physically, emotionally, and financially. We offer market competitive benefits (including pension), supplemented by 15 flexible benefits, to meet your needs. These include health, lifestyle and family friendly options. We also offer professional development programs, wellness, recognition, community volunteering initiatives, and flexible/hybrid working arrangements.