Payroll Manager

As UTA continues to expand globally, we’re seeking a highly experienced and detail-oriented International Payroll Manager to oversee the payroll function with a core responsibility for the UK and EMEA (currently Germany, Spain, France, Croatia, Sweden and Denmark) payroll operations. This role is essential in ensuring that payrolls are executed accurately, compliantly, and on time while also managing key vendor relationships, statutory reporting, compliance and pension processes.

You will work cross-functionally with Human Resources and Finance in the UK, leading the payroll process from end to end, including compliance oversight, reconciliations, and system improvements. In addition, you will work closely with and be operationally aligned to UTA’s central Payroll and Reward function based in the US, ensuring consistency in processes, reporting and compliance globally.

What You’ll Do:

Your responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:

International Payroll Oversight

• Manage end-to-end monthly UK payroll processing via Workday ensuring compliance with local employment and tax regulations.

• Manage end-to-end monthly payroll processing via Deel, our Global Payroll Provider, for E.U. countries (currently Spain, Germany, France, Croatia, Sweden and Denmark) involving close coordination with internal People Teams and external in-country Deel teams.

• Act as the main point of contact for employees’ payroll-related queries within the regions, including resolving escalations from employees and internal teams.

• Work closely with the US-based Payroll and Reward team to align on payroll strategy, process standards and reporting across regions.

• Liaise regularly with internal and external Workday teams.

• Coordinate with internal HR and Finance teams to manage payroll deadlines, data integrity, and monthly cutoffs.

• Oversee the accurate input and processing of employee details and adjustments in the Workday system, including:

  • Salary changes, bonuses, commissions

  • Overtime, statutory leave (SMP, SPP, ShPP, SSP)

  • Deductions such as childcare vouchers, season ticket loans, and benefits-in-kind

• Manage the accurate and timely processing of one-time payments, including termination payments, and ad hoc adjustments, ensuring compliance with internal policies and statutory requirements.

• Review and validate pre-commit and post-payroll reports to identify and resolve discrepancies before payroll is finalised.

• Lead statutory and regulatory returns, including all submissions to HMRC and other authorities (FPS, EPS, P11Ds, etc.).

• Support preparation and audit of year-end payroll processes and reporting for each country.

• Produce payroll-related reports and dashboards for HR and Finance leadership as needed.

• Support payroll integration and compliance during business growth and acquisitions, ensuring smooth transitions, accurate processing, and alignment with company policies and local regulations.

Pension & Benefits Administration

• Manage the administration of the company’s employee pension scheme (currently Standard Life).

• Support the management of the company’s Salary Sacrifice to Pension scheme.

• Ensure pension-related data in Workday is accurate and up to date.

Compliance & Process Improvement

• Stay current with changes in local payroll, tax, and employment legislation across EMEA and implement required changes.

• Maintain and enhance internal payroll documentation and standard operating procedures.

• Support system optimisation and implementation projects, including future transitions into new regions or platforms.

• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, automation, and accuracy within payroll operations.

What You’ll Need:

• Extensive, proven payroll experience, including payroll regulations and statutory requirements in an international or multi-country capacity (EMEA focused).

• Deep understanding of UK payroll regulations (HMRC, PAYE, NICs, pensions) and experience managing end-to-end UK payroll.

• Strong working knowledge of Workday or similar global payroll systems.

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate across departments and regions.

• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and comfort working with data and reporting.

• Highly detail-oriented with strong organisational and problem-solving skills.

• Highly proficient with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Highly professional with excellent judgement, and a high level of discretion.

• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment, prioritising a busy workload.

• Positive, self-motivated attitude.

• Effective time management skills with ability to meet deadlines and adjust to changing priorities.

The following are not essential but may be advantageous:

• CIPP / CPP qualification or equivalent.

• Experience in a talent, media, or entertainment agency environment.

• Familiarity with global mobility, contractor/talent payments, or variable compensation structures.

• Experience supporting payroll integration or M&A activities

What You Will Get

• The unique and exciting opportunity to work at one of a leading global entertainment companies

• Access to the tools, leadership, and resources you will need to create and drive a center of excellence

• The opportunity to do the best work of your career

• Work in an inclusive and diverse company culture

• Competitive programs to support your well-being

• Experience working in a collaborative environment with room to grow

About UTA

UTA unites ideas, opportunities, and talent. The company represents some of the world's most iconic, barrier-breaking artists, creators and changemakers—from actors, athletes and musicians to writers, gamers, and digital influencers. One of the most influential companies in global entertainment, UTA's business spans talent representation, content production, as well as strategic advisory and marketing work with some of the world's biggest brands. Affiliated companies include Digital Brand Architects, KLUTCH Sports Group, Curtis Brown Group, and MediaLink. UTA is headquartered in Los Angeles with offices in Atlanta, Chicago, Nashville, New York, and London.

For more information: https://www.unitedtalent.com/about/

UTA and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities.

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