Payroll Lead

Term: 18mth Fixed Term Contract Location: London Job purpose: In this fixed-term transformation role, the Head of Finance Operations will lead the end-to-end modernisation of the organisation’s Accounts Payable (AP), Accounts Receivable (AR), and Payroll functions. The primary mandate is to develop and transition global financial operations into a streamlined, scalable model that ensures rigorous compliance and efficiency. Reporting to the Deputy CFO, this London-based position will lead the functional teams through this period of change, establishing a robust operational framework for the future. A key focus of this role is to optimise, standardise, and automate finance processes to strengthen controls, improve service quality, and ensure deadlines are consistently met. Special focus will be on the need to operationalise the Global Payroll project as it moves from project to business as usual. The role will also establish and monitor service-level agreements (SLAs) to ensure timely and accurate delivery of Finance Operations services. Principal accountabilities: Leadership & Management * This role is a senior role within the finance team and as such will be expected to lead and develop teams, fostering a high performance culture, accountability, and continuous improvement. * Ensure effective resource planning and workload management to meet business deadlines and service expectations. * Build strong cross-functional relationships with internal stakeholders including Procurement, HR, Treasury, and Financial Control. This includes providing support during any audits. Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable * Manage the team responsible for the end-to-end AP process and AR processes. * Maintain robust controls and monitor the performance of key SLA’s and KPI’s. Payroll * Manage the Global Payroll team and oversee the accurate and timely processing of all payroll activities. * Build and maintain a clear and effective end to end payroll process addressing both standard and complex payrolls. * Lead the payroll related processes and activities required from any Global Mobility queries or requests triggered by the HR team. * Onboard and lead the set up and execution of any additional payrolls or shadow payrolls around the world as required. * Ensure compliance with all relevant employment tax and payroll compliance legislation. Track the performance of the external payroll providers and drive performance improvement initiatives as required. * Partner with HR to ensure payroll inputs are complete, validated, and aligned with contractual and policy requirements. Process Optimisation & Automation * Drive continuous improvement initiatives across Finance Operations to streamline processes, reduce manual effort, and enhance control. * Identify opportunities for automation through technology, workflow tools, and system enhancements. * Standardise processes and documentation to ensure consistency and reduce operational risk. Controls, Compliance & Reporting * Ensure statutory, regulatory, and internal policy compliance across AP, AR, and Payroll. * Develop and monitor KPIs, SLAs, and operational metrics to measure performance and service quality. * Prepare regular reporting for senior management on operational performance, risks, and improvement initiatives. Systems & Technology * Lead the Finance System activities within the Finance team for enhancements or maintenance to the Finance systems (primarily ERP, Reporting etc) * Act as a senior stakeholder in finance systems improvements and upgrades. * Ensure systems are used effectively and teams are trained to maximise capability. * Collaborate with IT and system providers to address issues and optimise workflows. Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience Qualifications * Degree in Finance, Accounting or Business operations desirable. Knowledge & Experience * Extensive experience leading Finance Operations functions in either AP, AR, or Payroll. * Demonstrable experience driving process improvement, automation, and operational excellence. * Strong knowledge of financial controls, compliance requirements, and best practice frameworks. * Experience managing teams in a fast-paced, multi-location, multi-currency environment and delivering to strict deadlines. * Familiarity with ERP systems (Microsoft Business Central), CRM (Salesforce), Webshop and workflow/automation tools. * Proven track record in stakeholder management and cross-functional collaboration. Skills & Attributes * Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, develop, and mentor teams. * Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities. * High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy and control. * Strong communication skills, able to convey complex information clearly and concisely. * Customer-focused mindset with a commitment to delivering high-quality service. * Ability to thrive in change, lead transformation, and drive continuous improvement. * Resilience, adaptability, and a proactive, solutions-oriented approach. Application closing date: 28th June 2026 Please note that while we have a closing date for this application, we reserve the right to interview candidates and potentially close the role early should we find a suitable candidate.   About us At the IFRS Foundation, we believe better information leads to better decisions. We set financial reporting standards that enable companies to meet the evolving information needs of the global capital markets. United by our purpose to foster trust, growth and long-term financial stability in the global economy, we engage in challenging, meaningful work every day—across all our areas of expertise. If you share our passion for this mission, we want to hear from you. Diverse perspectives. International expertise. Working for our global organisation offers many benefits, including: * rewarding work that serves the public interest; * engagement with diverse international experts; * inclusive and collaborative teams; * intellectually challenging projects; * flexible working arrangements; * numerous areas of specialisation; and * opportunities for professional growth and development. Diversity and inclusion are seen as key strengths of our organisation. These qualities are essential for us to engage with and meet the needs of our varied global stakeholders, and they are part of what makes the IFRS Foundation a great place to work. #LI-MM1

Payroll Manager Location: London    ClearScore is searching for a talented Payroll Manager on a permanent basis. You will be joining our finance team, based in London, to support ClearScore’s continued growth across the UK, South Africa, Australia, Canada and New Zealand, and across each of its business units (ClearScore, DriveScore, D•One and Aro). You will oversee all payroll operations of close to 500 employees across the ClearScore Group, as well as managing other personnel matters such as expense reimbursements, forecasting, and headcount management. What you will be doing: * Manage the end-to-end monthly payroll process across all ClearScore Group entities, ensuring accurate and timely submission * Ensure full adherence to all relevant compliance and regulations in each of our payroll jurisdictions * Act as the key point of contact for all employee related payroll queries and manage payroll matters with benefit providers, payroll partners and other internal and external stakeholders * Provide detailed payroll reconciliations, post payroll journal entries onto our general ledger, and assist with financial reporting of staff costs * Keep abreast of payroll legislation, implementing best practices and driving efficiencies in our current systems and processes * Manage ClearScore’s employee expense reimbursement process Skills we'd love you to have * CIPP qualification (or international equivalent) is preferred, but not required * Proven experience in payroll management, preferably within a fast-paced, high growth environment * Experience with HRIS systems and payroll processing software (HiBob/Pento, Deel is advantageous) * Strong understanding of UK payroll legislation and compliance (South Africa, Australia and Canada would also be advantageous) * Exceptional attention to detail and effective communication skills with a desire to learn * A drive to make continuous improvements to processes, seek efficiency, and use technology to automate tasks. Why ClearScore? ClearScore is the UK's #1 credit score and report app. We are also present in South Africa, Australia and Canada, with more than 20 million users globally and growing fast. Someone joins ClearScore every 20 seconds. We have established relationships with over 50 of the main lenders in the U.K., and have been a trusted tool for customers to manage their credit and make better financial decisions. Since October 2016 we have helped 1.8 million users take out a new credit card or loan. We are user-centric at our core and we believe in leveraging technology to enable positive financial choices. We are design-led and data-driven and we embed these behaviours in everything we do. Our company culture is a fundamental part of all we have achieved. We believe in hiring smart, driven, passionate and diverse people who are keen on having a real impact in our organisation. We trust you to manage your own time so we offer flexible work and no fixed desk hours. We don't micromanage and we believe in measuring outcomes rather than effort. We have an inclusive culture where all, regardless of seniority, are encouraged to contribute with their ideas, look after their wellbeing and actively seek opportunities for career growth. If you feel like this could be the place for you, apply and our Talent team will be happy to share more. Benefits: * 25 paid holidays and a “duvet day” on your birthday * Hybrid Work Environment * Private health and dental cover - including mental health support through Bupa  * GP office visits * Life assurance scheme * Up to 6% matched pension * Regular Lunch and Learns with guest speakers * Dog-friendly office * Daily breakfast and free snacks * Access to discounts via Cobens Extras  * Free sports and social clubs * Continued investment into learning and development  * Leadership-led training * In-house psychotherapist * Financial coach to help you plan and achieve your goals * No clock-watching culture * Generous maternity and paternity plans * Culture and inclusion representatives * Transparent pay structure and a career growth plan   Equal Opportunities ClearScore is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals. As an equal opportunity employer, we are able to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate individuals with disabilities during the recruitment and selection process. If you require accommodation, please inform us in advance, and we will work with you to meet your needs. Our Hybrid Model   We embrace a dynamic hybrid work environment that balances flexibility with collaborative in-person experiences. Our approach is designed to foster innovation, team connection, and individual productivity. * Levels 1-5: Minimum 2 days per week in-office * Level 6 and above: Minimum 3 days per week in-office We believe this structure offers the best of both worlds - the flexibility of remote work and the synergy of face-to-face collaboration. Our office days are carefully coordinated to maximise team interactions and learning/ mentorship opportunities. What This Means for You: * Flexibility to manage your work and life * Dedicated in-office days for team building and collaborative projects *  Office facilities (with plants!) designed for productive interactions * Clear expectations and support for maintaining our hybrid schedule We’re committed to creating an inclusive environment that accommodates diverse needs while maintaining our collaborative culture. Join us in shaping the future of work! Note: While we offer flexibility, commitment to our hybrid schedule is an important aspect of our team culture and performance expectations.     Inclusion Policy We are always looking for talented individuals to join ClearScore. We are an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for our people. Please see our People Policy Notice at https://www.clearscore.com/people-notice.