Senior Manager - Irish Payroll Operations & Implementations

Overview

This permanent Senior Manager role based in Cork, Ireland, within the Tax & Law business unit, leads the comprehensive payroll delivery for Ireland, upholding compliance with Revenue requirements and employment legislation. The incumbent supervises payroll teams, governs processes, manages technology and vendor partnerships, and champions improvement projects, while advising senior leadership. The role also involves onboarding new payroll clients.

Key Duties

• Manage end-to-end payroll execution for Irish employees ensuring accurate and timely processing aligned with applicable payroll cycles.
• Oversee the onboarding and project management of new payroll clients transitioning to EY.
• Ensure compliance with Irish payroll legislation, including PAYE Modernisation, PRSI, USC, and statutory reporting obligations.
• Stay current on Irish payroll laws and lead effective implementation of legislative changes.
• Conduct and supervise payroll audits and compliance reviews.
• Lead, mentor, and develop payroll team members, fostering a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• Set objectives, KPIs, and performance benchmarks for the payroll team.
• Manage team staffing, succession planning, and skill development initiatives.
• Maintain robust payroll controls and governance frameworks.
• Perform accurate reconciliations between payroll records and financial ledgers/statutory liabilities.
• Identify and mitigate payroll risks ensuring proper escalation and resolution procedures.
• Drive payroll system upgrades, integrations, and automation projects to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
• Manage relationships with payroll vendors and regulatory authorities, monitoring service level agreements.
• Deliver payroll analytics, dashboards, and insights to inform senior management.
• Support financial reporting, budget forecasting, and participate in creating proposals and client presentations.

Qualifications and Experience

• At least six years of extensive experience managing Irish payroll operations with leadership exposure.
• Professional certification such as IPASS (Irish Payroll Association) or equivalent.
• Comprehensive understanding of Irish payroll statutory and tax regulations, including PAYE Modernisation, PRSI, USC, BIK, and pensions.
• Proven track record in handling payroll within corporate or shared services environments.
• Experience in successfully implementing and transitioning new payroll clients through all project phases.
• Strong knowledge of payroll technology, systems, and integrations.
• Solid project management skills and experience.
• Excellent analytical thinking, communication (written and verbal), client service, and problem-solving abilities.
• Leadership capabilities to inspire, motivate, and coach payroll teams effectively.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.
• Experience with global payroll or managing multi-country payroll functions is an advantage.

Core Competencies

• Strategic decision-making and leadership.
• Team development and management.
• Attention to detail and risk awareness.
• Change and transformation management.
• Strong communication and client service focus.
• Problem solving and data analysis.
• Expertise in payroll systems and technology.

About EY

EY is a leading global professional services firm specializing in Assurance, Tax, Transaction, and Advisory services committed to building a better working world. They provide extensive training, career development opportunities, and an inclusive culture that supports diverse perspectives and flexible working arrangements.

Employee Benefits and Culture

• Competitive salary and flexible remuneration packages.
• Various benefits including hybrid working options, pension plans, discounted health insurance, web doctor access, purchase of additional annual leave, gym membership, travel pass, parental leave, bike to work scheme, referral bonuses, and a Tech MBA funded by EY.
• Strong focus on inclusion, diversity, and equitable practices fostering a sense of belonging.
• Support for career growth with continuous learning, bespoke career paths, and leadership coaching.
• The company values flexibility to balance work and personal priorities, though some travel and client site attendance may be required.

Additional Notes

Applications will be handled directly by EY’s Talent Team. Agency submissions are managed specifically by EY’s recruitment suppliers; unsolicited recruiter CVs will not be considered.