Payroll Manager

We’re on a mission to be the nation’s most-loved neighbourhood restaurant. Think sunshine-filled food, seriously good vibes, a team that’s got each other’s backs, and there's always a dog snoozing under someone's table.

The Payroll Manager owns the end-to-end delivery of our UK payroll, making sure everyone is paid accurately, compliantly, and on time (every single pay run 🙌).

You’ll have full ownership of payroll operations, payroll accounting, and all things statutory, with a particular focus on Fourth Payroll and TRONC administration. You’ll work closely with our Finance, People, and Operations teams to keep everything running smoothly, spot issues before they become problems, and make sure our payroll processes are rock-solid as we grow.

In short: you’re the calm, detail-loving expert who keeps the wheels turning and the numbers behaving.

💙 What you'll be doing

💸 Payroll Operations

• Manage end-to-end UK payroll processing using Fourth Payroll, including coordination with the third-party Troncmaster

🧮 Payroll Accounting & Reconciliations

• Accrue and release payroll journals accurately each period
• Prepare and post payroll journals to the general ledger
• Reconcile payroll control accounts and payroll-related balance sheet accounts
• Investigate and resolve payroll variances and discrepancies
• Support month-end and year-end close processes
• Liaise with auditors on payroll-related audit matters

🛡️ Compliance & Governance

• Ensure full compliance with UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, NIC, pensions (auto-enrolment), court orders, TRONC regulations, and statutory payments Manage HMRC submissions, including FPS, EPS, P11Ds (where applicable), and year-end processes (P60s, P45s)

🤝 Stakeholder Management

• Work with the People team to ensure employee data changes are accurately reflected in payroll
• Support Finance with payroll reporting and audit requirements
• Respond to employee payroll queries professionally and confidentially
• Liaise with external providers, including pensions, Troncmaster, auditors, and payroll software support.

🚀 Continuous Improvement

• Identify and implement improvements to payroll processes, controls, and reporting

💙 What we're looking for

🧩 You'll definitely have

• Proven experience as a Payroll Manager or senior payroll professional
• Strong hands-on experience with Fourth Payroll
• In-depth knowledge of TRONC administration and legislation
• Experience accruing and releasing payroll journals
• Strong understanding of payroll-related balance sheet reconciliations
• Excellent knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements

✨ Bonus points if you also have

• Experience in hospitality, retail, or multi-site environments
• Payroll qualification (CIPP or equivalent)
• Experience supporting audits and working closely with Finance teams

💙Why join Megan's?

• Be part of a team that lives by our values: Team Player, Results Driven, Adaptable, Grit.
• Growth opportunities in a fast-expanding restaurant group.
• Plenty of upskilling opportunities through our apprenticeship programs.
• Dog friendly office and restaurants - please bring your fluffy four-legged friends to work! 🐶
• Competitive salary, perks & the chance to grow with one of the most exciting hospitality brands in London.

Perks & Treats

✨ 50% off when you dine with your favourite people

🎉 Plenty of fun, feel-good team socials

🧠 Access to our Employee Assistance Programme - free, confidential support 24/7 including mental health sessions

💸 Early access to wages through Stream

🎁 Long service awards and celebrations - think fancy meals out and relaxing weekends away

🍽️ Free, delicious Megan’s food & drinks for lunch every day

🛟 Plus all the usual standard stuff like pension contributions & 28 days holiday

Grow With Us

🚀 Ongoing training & real progression opportunities - if you want to grow professionally, we’ll back you through fully funded programmes.

🌱 Get involved in new openings as we grow