Payroll Manager

As the Payroll Manager at Athena Care Homes, you will be responsible for ensuring our colleagues are paid accurately and on time, while maintaining full compliance with UK payroll legislation.

About Athena Care Homes:
Athena Care Homes is an award winning, family-owned business operating seven residential nursing homes in East Anglia where care and compassion runs through to our very core. 

At Athena we celebrate everyone as an individual. Whether that’s delivering authentic care, supporting our team to make moments for our residents and their loved ones, or whether that’s learning and growing together.

About the role:
The Payroll Manager will oversee the end-to-end payroll process, lead and support a Payroll Analyst, and work closely with Finance and HR colleagues to deliver a high-quality, reliable payroll service across the organisation, covering 7 care homes with a headcount of circa 700 team members.

Salary:
Up to £38,000 per annum.

Shift Pattern:
37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Location:
Central Office, Russel House, Basildon, Essex, SS15 6TF – on-site. 

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Oversee the full monthly payroll cycle, ensuring accurate calculation of salaries, deductions, and statutory payments
• Maintain compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations, including HMRC and UKVI requirements
• Manage pension auto-enrolment and statutory reporting obligations
• Supervise, support, and develop the Payroll Analyst to promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Manage and maintain payroll systems (Sage Payroll and Coolcare) and ensure data integrity and lead on system updates or improvements
• Act as the main point of contact for complex payroll queries ad provide clear and supportive guidance to colleagues, managers, and HR

Training, Skills & Experience Required:

• Proven experience in a Payroll Manager (or similar) role
• Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation and compliance requirements
• Experience using payroll systems (e.g. Sage Payroll) and advanced Excel skills
• Excellent numerical accuracy and attention to detail
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to meet strict deadlines

What we can offer:

• Fully comprehensive induction.
• Competitive salary.
• 25 days of holiday per year plus bank holidays.
• Free Blue Light Card & access to the Blue Light discount platform.
• Refer a friend scheme.