Migrating and unifying payroll across a growing multi-entity business.

Enabled scalable, compliant, and efficient payroll operations through strategic platform consolidation.

Challenge

The business had outgrown its legacy payroll system — a dated, fragmented setup that was no longer fit for purpose. I was initially brought in to advise on a new solution for the core manufacturing entity, but as the group expanded through acquisition, it became clear that a centralised, scalable payroll approach would be critical. With multiple entities operating different processes and platforms, the risk to compliance, cost control, and workforce trust was growing.

Approach

I recommended and implemented a modern payroll platform, leading the migration from legacy systems and providing hands-on training and post-launch support to ensure adoption. The new software also introduced a self-service portal, offering employees greater visibility and autonomy over their pay and leave information — significantly improving user experience. As the group expanded, I extended this work — standardising payroll processes across entities, creating templates for onboarding new businesses, and aligning workflows to group-level compliance and reporting needs. Throughout, I worked closely with HR, finance, and operations to ensure local requirements were respected while maintaining consistency at group level.

Impact

- Delivered a successful payroll migration with no disruption to staff or payments.
- Created a scalable group payroll structure — standardised across multiple entities.
- Reduced administrative time and compliance risk through consistent, auditable processes.
- Enabled smoother onboarding of acquisitions and improved cross-entity reporting.
- Introduced employee self-service, boosting transparency and engagement.
- Positioned payroll as a strategic function supporting growth, not just a back-office cost.