Mental Health Matters

Payroll Manager

The closing date is 12 November 2025

Job summary

Reporting into the Finance Manager, the successful candidate will lead a small payroll team and work collaboratively with our HR department to ensure that our monthly payroll is fully processed and paid in a timely and accurate manner. MHM have over 600 employees and we operate more than 1 standard set of employment terms and conditions, and because we use a fully integrated payroll and HR system called iTrent, a full end-to-end understanding of each pay element is required.

Main duties of the job

Lead, coach and develop a small payroll team, allocating work effectively to meet strict deadlines and organisational objectives. Proactively manage the end-to-end payroll process, for all MHM employees, ensuring accurate and timely payments, compliance with PAYE, NI, pensions, statutory payments, and other payroll related legislation ensuring all yearly activity is undertaken. Deliver on organisational and strategic objectives across payroll operations Understand and apply the different terms and conditions of employment across the workforce including TUPE terms. Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure timely submission of payroll returns to HMRC and other relevant bodies. Make practical decisions about how to use resources and organise work so that business goals and service standards are met efficiently. Ensuring resilience within processes to effectively resolve unexpected issues. Act as a system expert, maintaining a strong understanding of how MHM's integrated People and Payroll system (iTrent) operates including for example system auto-calculations. Build strong working and collaborative relationships with People, Finance, and Managers to ensure seamless payroll processing and to resolve queries promptly and accurately. Prepare and present a monthly payroll report to the Finance Manager contributing to monthly management accounts, and annual statutory accounts. See full JD

About us

MHM is a national charity with over 40 years of experience in delivering high-quality mental health and social care services. We have a positive impact on the lives of people living with mental health needs in our local communities. We provide services across England, from Northumberland to Plymouth, led by a highly motivated and enthusiastic workforce. Our people are the driving force of our organisation, and we are committed to looking after our workforce within a values rich environment. We offer a host of benefits for colleagues joining us including hybrid working, an enhanced pension scheme, and an enhanced employee assistance programme.

Details

Date posted

03 November 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£28,397 to £38,397 a year

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

R000346

Job locations

Waterside House Wearfield, Sunderland SR5 2TZ

Sunderland

SR5 2TZ


Job description

Job responsibilities

Salary: £38,397 rising to £42,723 Hybrid: Waterside House, Sunderland Enterprise Park, Sunderland, SR5 2TZ - 2 days per week in the office, and 3 days working from home Contract: Permanent - 37.5 hours per week (full time) - 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday About Us: MHM is a national charity with over 40 years of experience in delivering high-quality mental health and social care services. We have a positive impact on the lives of people living with mental health needs in our local communities. We provide services across England, from Northumberland to Plymouth, led by a highly motivated and enthusiastic workforce. Our people are the driving force of our organisation, and we are committed to looking after our workforce within a values rich environment. We offer a host of benefits for colleagues joining us including hybrid working, an enhanced pension scheme, and an enhanced employee assistance programme. The Role: Reporting into the Finance Manager, the successful candidate will lead a small payroll team and work collaboratively with our HR department to ensure that our monthly payroll is fully processed and paid in a timely and accurate manner. MHM have over 600 employees and we operate more than 1 standard set of employment terms and conditions, and because we use a fully integrated payroll and HR system called iTrent, a full end-to-end understanding of each pay element is required. Ideal Candidate: The successful candidate will have significant experience of leading the monthly payroll process covering all aspects from pensions and auto-enrolment through to SSP, SMP and an understanding of 365/260 payroll adjustment calculations. They will also hold a relevant payroll or equivalent qualification that covers the core aspects of payroll, and will carry out their own annual CPD. They will have excellent attention to detail, be logical and methodical in their approach, be confident and competent with computers (we use Microsoft Office 365), and hold strong written and verbal communication skills to help deliver excellent internal and external customer service. What we offer: You will go through our comprehensive, in-person training program in your first week of employment and beyond which will give you the tools you need to succeed in the role, as well as offering a great opportunity to get to know your new colleagues. In addition, you will receive:

  • A minimum of 25 days annual leave per annum, plus statutory holidays, rising with length of service
  • A 5% contributory pension scheme, with the opportunity to increase contributions.
  • A holistic approach to your health and wellbeing, including Employee assistance programme, personalised wellbeing action plans and access to a Virtual GP Service
  • Enhanced family friendly policies, pay and leave.
  • Cycle to work scheme.
  • Discounted gym membership.
  • Healthcare cash plan.
  • A discount platform covering online, high street and supermarket purchases.
  • You will receive a tailored induction and probation review program which will give you the tools you need to succeed in the role
  • Our structured career development pathways and support from our accredited Learning Team will provide you with advice and guidance on how to access development to allow you to flourish in your chosen career.
  • How to Apply: We operate Safer Recruitment processes, so if you are interested in this role, you will need to apply via our online application form. Please ensure you answer all of the shortlisting questions to demonstrate how you meet the Person Specification criteria. If you have any additional supporting information you would like to include, you can add this into your application form. We are an equal opportunities employer. We really value diversity and are committed to ensuring our processes are inclusive. We may ask some personal information during the application process, however, everything we ask is to ensure we can offer fair and accessible opportunities for everyone. The closing date for applications is on Wednesday 12th November 2025. Due to the expected volume of applications only shortlisted candidates will be contacted with interviews planned to be held W/C 17th November 2025. If you have any questions and/or would like to discuss the vacancy before applying, then please email the hiring manager Steven Moyes -

    Job description

    Job responsibilities

    Salary: £38,397 rising to £42,723 Hybrid: Waterside House, Sunderland Enterprise Park, Sunderland, SR5 2TZ - 2 days per week in the office, and 3 days working from home Contract: Permanent - 37.5 hours per week (full time) - 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday About Us: MHM is a national charity with over 40 years of experience in delivering high-quality mental health and social care services. We have a positive impact on the lives of people living with mental health needs in our local communities. We provide services across England, from Northumberland to Plymouth, led by a highly motivated and enthusiastic workforce. Our people are the driving force of our organisation, and we are committed to looking after our workforce within a values rich environment. We offer a host of benefits for colleagues joining us including hybrid working, an enhanced pension scheme, and an enhanced employee assistance programme. The Role: Reporting into the Finance Manager, the successful candidate will lead a small payroll team and work collaboratively with our HR department to ensure that our monthly payroll is fully processed and paid in a timely and accurate manner. MHM have over 600 employees and we operate more than 1 standard set of employment terms and conditions, and because we use a fully integrated payroll and HR system called iTrent, a full end-to-end understanding of each pay element is required. Ideal Candidate: The successful candidate will have significant experience of leading the monthly payroll process covering all aspects from pensions and auto-enrolment through to SSP, SMP and an understanding of 365/260 payroll adjustment calculations. They will also hold a relevant payroll or equivalent qualification that covers the core aspects of payroll, and will carry out their own annual CPD. They will have excellent attention to detail, be logical and methodical in their approach, be confident and competent with computers (we use Microsoft Office 365), and hold strong written and verbal communication skills to help deliver excellent internal and external customer service. What we offer: You will go through our comprehensive, in-person training program in your first week of employment and beyond which will give you the tools you need to succeed in the role, as well as offering a great opportunity to get to know your new colleagues. In addition, you will receive:

  • A minimum of 25 days annual leave per annum, plus statutory holidays, rising with length of service
  • A 5% contributory pension scheme, with the opportunity to increase contributions.
  • A holistic approach to your health and wellbeing, including Employee assistance programme, personalised wellbeing action plans and access to a Virtual GP Service
  • Enhanced family friendly policies, pay and leave.
  • Cycle to work scheme.
  • Discounted gym membership.
  • Healthcare cash plan.
  • A discount platform covering online, high street and supermarket purchases.
  • You will receive a tailored induction and probation review program which will give you the tools you need to succeed in the role
  • Our structured career development pathways and support from our accredited Learning Team will provide you with advice and guidance on how to access development to allow you to flourish in your chosen career.
  • How to Apply: We operate Safer Recruitment processes, so if you are interested in this role, you will need to apply via our online application form. Please ensure you answer all of the shortlisting questions to demonstrate how you meet the Person Specification criteria. If you have any additional supporting information you would like to include, you can add this into your application form. We are an equal opportunities employer. We really value diversity and are committed to ensuring our processes are inclusive. We may ask some personal information during the application process, however, everything we ask is to ensure we can offer fair and accessible opportunities for everyone. The closing date for applications is on Wednesday 12th November 2025. Due to the expected volume of applications only shortlisted candidates will be contacted with interviews planned to be held W/C 17th November 2025. If you have any questions and/or would like to discuss the vacancy before applying, then please email the hiring manager Steven Moyes -

    Person Specification

    Qualifications

    Essential

    • Degree related to payroll, or a Level 4 qualification in payroll from, for example, the CIPP.
    • GCSE grade C or equivalent or above in Mathematics, English Language and English Literature.

    Experience

    Essential

    • At least 5 years experience in managing payroll for an organisation.
    • Experience of managing people
    • Strong leadership and team management skills, including delegation, coaching and performance management.
    • Extensive experience in payroll operations, including statutory compliance, pensions, PAYE, NI, and reporting.
    • Experience communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders on payroll matters.
    • Experience of handling complex payroll scenarios and resolving issues independently.
    • Experience of organising workload, in order to hit the many monthly payroll deadlines in a timely and accurate manner
    Person Specification

    Qualifications

    Essential

    • Degree related to payroll, or a Level 4 qualification in payroll from, for example, the CIPP.
    • GCSE grade C or equivalent or above in Mathematics, English Language and English Literature.

    Experience

    Essential

    • At least 5 years experience in managing payroll for an organisation.
    • Experience of managing people
    • Strong leadership and team management skills, including delegation, coaching and performance management.
    • Extensive experience in payroll operations, including statutory compliance, pensions, PAYE, NI, and reporting.
    • Experience communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders on payroll matters.
    • Experience of handling complex payroll scenarios and resolving issues independently.
    • Experience of organising workload, in order to hit the many monthly payroll deadlines in a timely and accurate manner

    Disclosure and Barring Service Check

    This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

    Employer details

    Employer name

    Mental Health Matters

    Address

    Waterside House Wearfield, Sunderland SR5 2TZ

    Sunderland

    SR5 2TZ


    Employer's website

    https://www.mhm.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

    Employer details

    Employer name

    Mental Health Matters

    Address

    Waterside House Wearfield, Sunderland SR5 2TZ

    Sunderland

    SR5 2TZ


    Employer's website

    https://www.mhm.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

    Employer contact details

    For questions about the job, contact:

    People and Organisational Development

    MHM Recruitment Team

    recruitment@mhm.org.uk

    01915163500

    Details

    Date posted

    03 November 2025

    Pay scheme

    Other

    Salary

    £28,397 to £38,397 a year

    Contract

    Permanent

    Working pattern

    Full-time

    Reference number

    R000346

    Job locations

    Waterside House Wearfield, Sunderland SR5 2TZ

    Sunderland

    SR5 2TZ


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