Payroll Manager | Iconic Design Consultancy | London / Hybrid Harmonic are delighted to be working with one of the world’s most recognised design consultancies in their search for an experienced Payroll Manager. With several exciting projects in the pipeline for 2026, this is a standout opportunity to take ownership of payroll and treasury within a high-calibre, international finance team, supporting a globally recognised and creative business. The Client This Payroll Manager will play a key role in ensuring the smooth and accurate delivery of payroll across a complex, international business. Our client is an internationally recognised design business, with work spanning cultural institutions, public realm, commercial developments, and technology-led projects. The business highly values diverse ways of thinking and sees finance and payroll as a strategic partner to the wider business and Board of Directors. This is an all-rounder role, ideal for a proactive, detail-oriented professional who enjoys taking ownership, working collaboratively with HR, and ensuring best-in-class payroll and payment operations within a creative environment. The Role This position sits within a high-performing finance team of 10, reporting into the Head of Finance. You’ll take ownership of payroll operations across a global employee base, while also overseeing payment processes and day-to-day banking activities. The role is hands-on and requires someone comfortable working independently, while also partnering closely with HR, Accounts Payable, and external payroll providers. Although the title includes treasury responsibilities, the focus is on operational cash management, payment oversight, and banking controls rather than strategic treasury. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, international environment and take pride in delivering accurate, timely payroll and payments, while continuously improving processes, controls, and data integrity. Responsibilities

Own end-to-end payroll operations across the business, coordinating with external payroll providers to ensure accuracy, compliance, and timely delivery Act as the internal subject matter expert on payroll tax, ensuring strong technical oversight of PAYE, NIC, pensions, and statutory requirements Partner closely with HR to manage payroll inputs including starters, leavers, benefits, bonuses, and employee changes Review payroll outputs from third-party providers, ensuring accuracy and identifying discrepancies or risks before final sign-off Oversee monthly and ad hoc payment runs, working closely with Accounts Payable to prioritise and control outgoing payments Manage day-to-day banking activities, including oversight of multiple accounts, currencies, and payment platforms Support cash flow visibility through monitoring of incoming and outgoing cash, contributing to short-term cash planning Ensure strong controls, compliance, and governance across payroll, payments, and banking activities, including GDPR and data protection Act as the key point of contact for payroll queries, liaising with employees, HR, and external advisors across multiple jurisdictions Coordinate with payroll bureaus, advisors, and compliance agents to ensure accurate submissions, reporting, and regulatory alignment Review and reconcile payroll-related accounts, ensuring accuracy across the general ledger and appropriate accounting treatment Support VAT submissions and broader tax compliance activities, including coordination with external advisors where required Oversee and review work prepared by junior team members and cross-functional teams, ensuring accuracy and best practice Drive continuous improvement across payroll, payments, and treasury processes, systems, and internal controls

What our client needs to see (essential)

Proven experience managing end-to-end payroll in a complex, 300+ headcount, international environment Strong technical understanding of payroll tax, compliance, and associated accounting treatments (debits/credits, reconciliations) Experience working with external payroll providers and coordinating across multiple stakeholders Hands-on experience managing payments, banking processes, and cash control Strong attention to detail with the ability to identify discrepancies and challenge where necessaryConfident communicator able to build trusted relationships with HR, finance teams, and external advisors

What we’d like to see (non-essential)

ACCA or CIMA Part Qualified Experience supporting VAT submissions or broader tax compliance Prior experience within professional services, design, construction, engineering, marketing, architecture, advertising, consultancy, design and build, fit out, interior design

Location London (Hybrid - 3 days in-office) At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation. If this looks like a great fit, please feel free to get in touch directly at nadine.anderson@harmonicfinance.com #J-18808-Ljbffr