Senior Payroll Manager
About this role
In this role you will be an integral member of the Reward function in our People Experience Team, managing three UK payrolls, in addition to smaller European payrolls. Reporting to Director, Global Total Rewards, with a dotted line to the VP, Payroll, you will be the subject matter expert for payroll, working closely with the wider generalist teams and finance teams to ensure data is accurately inputted, processed, approved and reported on a monthly and annual basis. You will be responsible for the relationship with our external payroll provider as well as leading on all payroll projects.
This role requires a start date of 25th September 2026. Hybrid working options are available
What you'll do:
Payroll Strategy and Vendor Management
- Responsible for leading and delivering payroll projects for the region, including but not limited to, the implementation of new payrolls
- Act as a payroll expert resource for the region, advising on best practice to increase payroll efficiency and effectiveness, implementing regional payroll governance with common practices and SLAs
- Work closely with the global PX systems team to identify opportunities for automation and integration with the HCM
- Manage the relationship with the external payroll provider for the payrolls actively managed, holding them to strict deadlines and monitoring them to ensure adherence to agreed SLAs
Payroll Processing
- Ensure timely and accurate payroll execution. Working closely with the wider PX generalist and Finance teams, ensuring data is accurately inputted, processed, approved and reported each pay period. Ensuring all third-party payments are made on time to relevant bodies. You will be the main point of contact for all payroll related activity and employee queries.
- Manage year end processes (P60, P11D, ERs, Director Emoluments): devise process plan, manage collation of all relevant data and undertake relevant checks. Support Finance on PSA reporting.
- Respond to family-friendly policy queries and pay projection requests that require manual calculation including Parental Leave pay, Shared Parental leave, Sickness, Unpaid leave etc. Support with policy cost projections as required.
- Responsible for payroll related responses to third-party audits across all UK Business units. You will also conduct regular audits within our own HRIS system to ensure accurate data and ensure reporting remains fit for purpose for the UK.
- Ensure that all payroll practices comply with applicable country-specific laws and monitor upcoming legislation changes. Implement any changes in conjunction with the payroll provider and notify the business as required.
Who you are:
- A proven track record in delivering payrolls across multiple European countries to a high standard, including the UK.
- High attention to detail, able to identify errors in large quantities of data.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to consider with the wider picture to identify cause and effect.
- Strong vendor management skills
- In-depth knowledge of UK payroll rules and regulations
- Outstanding communication and collaboration abilities, both internally and externally.
What we give you:
- You join a vibrant global community with the opportunity to channel your passion every day
- A modern office environment designed for you, empowering you to bring your best
- Investment in your professional growth and development enabling you to thrive in our vibrant community
- The space to accelerate progress, positively disrupt and create what happens next
- We give you the platform to champion positive change, with the opportunity to contribute to our social impact, diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives
- We provide an excellent range of benefits like private medical cover, a generous pension scheme, life assurance, income protection, plus loads of music industry perks. There’s also time off over winter break.
Equal Opportunities
As an active part of a culturally and socially diverse society, Sony Music’s aim is that our workforce is diverse and inclusive. Sony Music is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity.
We employ, retain, promote and otherwise treat all employees and job applicants according to their merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We apply this policy without regard to any individual’s sex, race, religion, origin, age, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition or disability.
Privacy Policy
Please click here to read our privacy policy before beginning the application process as you will need to agree to the terms of the policy before submitting your information.
Please note that applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Company at a glance
At Sony Music Entertainment, we fuel the creative journey. We’ve played a pioneering role in music history, from the first-ever music label to the invention of the flat disc record. We’ve nurtured some of music’s most iconic artists and produced some of the most influential recordings of all time.
Today, we work in more than 70 countries, supporting a diverse roster of international superstars, developing and independent artists, and visionary creators. From our position at the intersection of music, entertainment, and technology, we bring imagination and expertise to the newest products and platforms, embrace new business models, employ breakthrough tools, and provide powerful insights that help our artists push creative boundaries and reach new audiences. In everything we do, we’re committed to artistic integrity, transparency, and entrepreneurship.
Sony Music Entertainment is a member of the Sony family of global companies.
Top Benefits
- Private medical cover
- Pension scheme
- Life assurance
- Income protection
- Music industry perks
- Winter break time off
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