Assistant Manager - Payroll Services

At Crowleys DFK we recognise that it’s our people who make us who we are. We pride ourselves on our value-based culture which creates a caring, inclusive, innovative and collaborative environment – a culture where you can take your career to the next level. We celebrate the different skillsets, backgrounds, and talents in all our people and are always looking for experienced professionals to join our team.

If you want to work for a progressive and successful firm, one founded on teamwork and that offers you support at every stage of your career, then that firm is Crowleys DFK!

What we can offer you:

• Competitive compensation package including excellent benefits.
• Flexible Working hours , Hybrid Working structure, Work from Anywhere policy
• Multiple internal growth and career progression opportunities through our Competency and Career Paths Framework and a comprehensive Learning & Development Programme to develop your skills and knowledge.
• Focus on your mental health with our health and wellbeing initiatives and training.
• Participate in exciting events and activities organised by our Sports & Social Team and make an impact on the community by getting involved with our chosen Charity Partner.
• Kickback and relax by enjoying year-round 3pm finish Fridays and a paid day off on your Birthday.

About the opportunity:

Due to exciting and continued growth, our Payroll Services department are looking for an Assistant Manager to join their team. This position will be permanent, full-time, Hybrid(2 days in the office) and based in our Cork office.

Reporting to the Senior Payroll Manager, the Assistant Manager in Payroll Services will support the day-to-day operation of the Payroll Services Department, ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of payroll services to a diverse client portfolio.

This role combines payroll processing, people management, client relationship management and operational oversight. The successful candidate will take ownership of payroll delivery, support and develop team members, drive continuous improvement initiatives and help maintain the high standards of service expected by clients.

The ideal candidate will be technically strong, commercially aware and capable of working independently while providing day-to-day guidance, support and oversight to designated team members. They will be proactive in identifying and resolving issues before they impact clients or the business and will know when matters should be escalated to the Senior Payroll Manager.

You can expect your duties will primarily include:

Payroll Operations

• Process weekly, fortnightly and monthly client payrolls accurately and on time.
• Review team payroll outputs and ensure compliance with internal controls and quality standards.
• Process timesheets, manual calculations and payroll adjustments.
• Handle payroll-related queries with Revenue, pension providers and other third parties.
• Calculate statutory payments, holiday and public holiday entitlements.
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation and best practice.

Team & Payroll Management

• Supervise, support and develop Payroll Executives.
• Manage the delivery of assigned payroll portfolios, ensuring deadlines and service standards are consistently achieved.
• Assist with workload planning, resource allocation and payroll scheduling across the team.
• Review work completed by team members and provide feedback, coaching and support where required.
• Support the training, mentoring and ongoing development of Payroll Executives.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Client Management & Business Development

• Build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Act as an escalation point for payroll queries and issues.
• Participate in client meetings and payroll reviews.
• Prepare fee quotations and support new business opportunities.
• Coordinate the onboarding of new payroll clients.

Technical & Operational Excellence

• Develop and maintain expertise in payroll systems, reporting and data import processes.
• Create, maintain and troubleshoot payroll reports and imports.
• Act as a subject matter expert on payroll processes and systems.
• Identify and implement process improvements and efficiencies.
• Lead or participate in payroll-related projects and system enhancements.
• Maintain process documentation and support knowledge sharing across the team.

Leadership & Risk Management

• Take ownership of operational issues and drive them through to resolution.
• Monitor the payroll inbox and ensure client queries are dealt with promptly.
• Identify risks, issues and service concerns at an early stage.
• Escalate matters appropriately and in a timely manner.
• Act as deputy to the Senior Payroll Manager, assuming responsibility for the day-to-day management of the department during periods of absence.
• Support the achievement of departmental objectives and service standards.

What we are looking for:

Essential

• Certified Payroll Technician (IPASS) or Diploma in Payroll Management.
• Minimum 5 years' experience processing Irish payrolls, ideally within a payroll bureau, outsourced payroll or multi-client environment.
• Strong knowledge of Irish payroll legislation and Revenue requirements.
• Strong experience working with payroll software and payroll processing systems; experience using Sage Micropay, MegaPay or equivalent payroll platforms would be a distinct advantage.
• Previous experience supervising, mentoring or coordinating the work of other team members.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
• Excellent organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Strong client relationship management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to manage assignments from start to finish with minimal supervision
• Excellent client service and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable

• Public sector payroll experience.
• Experience managing client onboarding and payroll implementations.
• Experience creating payroll reports, imports and validation processes.
• Experience identifying and implementing process improvements.