Payroll Manager

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Full time, permanent contract with an option for some hybrid working. Some flexibility in working hours (4 days per week minimum) and work pattern may be possible.

We are Chester Zoo

We're not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that's home to over 30,000 incredible animals within 128 acres of stunning gardens. We're not just the UK's most popular zoo. We're an international wildlife charity that's committed to the recovery of endangered species.

The Role - Payroll Manager
We have an exciting opportunity for an exceptional Payroll Manager to join us as a key part of our Finance management team.

We're looking for a proactive, reliable and experienced individual who can confidently take the lead on payroll and pensions activities - providing guidance, insight and support to ensure compliance and operational efficiency. You'll manage and inspire our team of experienced Payroll Coordinators and collaborate with stakeholders across the Zoo.

You will be joining us at a time of growth and change, that is as busy as ever - an ability to embrace this and take a hands-on approach is essential.

As our Payroll Manager you will:

• To manage and develop the Charity's payroll services in a professional and efficient manner, thereby supporting the Charity's goals. Ensuring timely and accurate payments of salaries, pensions, settlement agreements and supplementary payments, while maintaining confidentiality of payroll data.
• Generate and develop key reports and management information to allow Managers to more effectively manage their teams e.g. overtime reports, Establishment Budget.
• Manage and develop the time and attendance system; ensuring correct procedure is followed as specified by T & C of employment.
• Ensure a robust internal control environment, with transparent and auditable remuneration practices, is in place for all payroll data, to comply with internal and external audits.
• To manage the Payroll Department by positively engaging the Co-ordinators and delivering a service where customer/client needs are the priority. Employee management and development: Lead and coach your team, providing individual training and development opportunities and ensuring effective performance management.
• Be responsible for the management and submission to HMRC of Real Time Information (RTI) and all other statutory returns.

What makes Chester Zoo a great place to work?

Well, where do we start? Here goes...

We're a team of conservationists, scientists, educators, animal welfare experts, marketeers, visitor experience professionals, environmental policy influencers; the list goes on. Each and every one of us is on a mission to make Chester Zoo the best in the world, and our planet a better place.

As the UK's biggest and best zoo, we have ambitious goals, exciting plans, and there's always lots going on here. We're an inclusive and diverse organisation, and we know how important it is to invest in our colleagues to help boost their career development. We have ambitious goals, and we want you to be with us for the long term on our exciting journey.

Our working environment could not be more different from a typical office - where else can you see critically endangered orangutans from your office window, or stroll among rare giraffes and tigers on your lunch break?

Our Requirements

• Proven experience working in a senior payroll position, ideally complimented by a recognised professional qualification (e.g. CIPP or equivalent).
• Skilled in managing a small team with a supportive, collaborative and hands-on approach.
• An excellent knowledge of PAYE and employee benefits including National Minimum Wage, Pensions and Salary Sacrifice.
• Knowledge and awareness of the regulatory landscape and UK tax system, with the ability to educate stakeholders and provide strategic advice on their financial impact, including cost and budget implications for the Charity.
• Excellent working knowledge of pension auto-enrolment legislation and pension treatments, with the ability to ensure compliance and accurately manage related payroll processes.
• Experience of change management and implementing new payroll systems.
• Ability to understand of the flow of data between multiple people related systems and the impact they will have on the payroll system.
• Demonstrable ability to work with external peers and professional advisers, with a track record of maintaining personal professional development.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel, with the ability to analyse complex data sets to develop insightful reports to support monthly payroll operations and decision-making.

The Package

• Permanent Contract
• Working Hours - 40 hours per week. Some flexibility in working hours (4 days minimum) and work pattern may be possible.
• Salary - £45,500 per annum (based on 40 hours)
• Hybrid working, based at Chester Zoo at least 3 days per week.
• 33 days annual leave pro-rata (includes bank holidays) plus the option to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Pension scheme with generous employer contributions up to 9%
• Healthcare plan and employee assistance programme.
• Staff pass so you can visit the zoo during your time off, plus multiple complimentary tickets for your friends and family.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Discounted gym membership
• Discounts on cinema tickets, restaurants, high street shops and more via Perks

Please be aware we reserve the right to close our vacancies earlier than the listed date if we have received a high level of suitable applications. We recommend that if you do wish to be considered that you complete the application as promptly as possible.