At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll operations and ensure compliance while supporting a high-performing team.
- Company: Join Suffolk County Council, a modern council committed to making a positive difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team that values diversity and empowers everyone to excel.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and strong IT skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available; applications from diverse backgrounds are encouraged.
The predicted salary is between 34700 - 40000 Β£ per year.
- Suffolk County Council β Endeavour House, Ipswich IP1 2BX β Hybrid
- Β£40,777 β Β£47,054 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- 37 hours per week β Flexible working options available
- Permanent
Are you an experienced payroll professional ready to take the next step in your career?
Join Suffolk County Council as our Deputy Payroll Manager and play a key role in delivering a reliable, efficient, and compliant payroll service across the organisation and other local authorities.
Your role and responsibilities:
In this role, you will take a lead in managing day-to-day payroll operations, ensure compliance within statutory requirements, and support the development of a high performing team. You will also contribute to team improvements, provide senior level and line management support, and act as deputy for the Payroll Manager when required.
We hope you\βll bring:
- Proven experience managing complex payrolls and leading teams
- Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, HMRC regulations, and pension schemes
- Excellent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel, with ability to learn new systems
- Oracle Fusion experience is highly desirable but not essential
- Analytical mindset with great attention to detail
- Collaborative, proactive approach with proven ability to improve processes
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx) .
We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and value transferrable skills. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don\βt meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
The Payroll Team is part of the wider HR service within the Corporate Services directorate. We\βre a close-knit group made up of a Payroll Manager, Deputy Payroll Manager, Senior Payroll Advisors, and Payroll Advisors, overseen by the HR Advice, Support and Payroll Lead. Together, we deliver accurate and reliable payroll services not only for Suffolk County Council but also for other local authorities across Suffolk.
We support hybrid working, with our core office days typically on Monday and Tuesday. We also encourage team members to come in on other days to collaborate with colleagues.
Empowering Everyone
We\βre big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We\βre always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk) .
For more information
Please contact both Daisy Rea and Diane Haynes to arrange a casual conversation. You can reach them by emailing Daisy.Rea@suffolk.gov.uk and Diane.Haynes@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 β Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx) .
Step 2 β Click Apply Now\β to start your online application.
Step 3 β Upload asupporting statementanswering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template .
- Describe a time you managed a complex payroll process. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
- Describe a time when your attention to detail caught an error or prevented a mistake. What was the impact?
- Tell me about a time you had to influence others to adopt a new process or system. How did you approach it?
Step 4 β Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412.If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 11 August 2025.
Interview date: Week commencing 18 August 2025.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We\βre driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you\βll enjoy:
- up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
- training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- diverse and active staff networks
- flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk) .
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Deputy Payroll Manager employer: Suffolk County Council
Contact Detail:
Suffolk County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Deputy Payroll Manager
β¨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific payroll legislation and HMRC regulations mentioned in the job description. This will not only help you understand the role better but also allow you to speak confidently about your knowledge during any informal conversations or interviews.
β¨Tip Number 2
Reach out to current or former employees of Suffolk County Council, especially those in the Payroll Team. They can provide valuable insights into the team dynamics and expectations, which can help you tailor your approach when discussing your experience.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage complex payroll processes and lead teams. Being ready to share these stories will showcase your skills effectively during discussions with the hiring team.
β¨Tip Number 4
Consider how you can highlight your analytical mindset and attention to detail in conversations. Think of specific instances where these traits have led to improvements in payroll processes, as this aligns well with the role's requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Payroll Manager
Some tips for your application π«‘
Understand the Role: Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Deputy Payroll Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the job description.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Use the provided questions to structure your supporting statement. Be specific about your experiences managing complex payroll processes, attention to detail, and influencing others. Use clear examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements.
Format Your CV Correctly: Ensure your CV is well-structured and free from personal details as required. Highlight relevant experience, particularly in payroll management and compliance with legislation. Use bullet points for clarity and keep it concise.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your supporting statement and CV. Look for any spelling or grammatical errors, and ensure that your documents reflect your genuine voice and experiences. Authenticity is key!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
β¨Showcase Your Payroll Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience managing complex payroll processes. Highlight specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as this will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and expertise in payroll management.
β¨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Since attention to detail is crucial in payroll, think of examples where your meticulousness caught errors or prevented mistakes. Be ready to explain the impact of these actions on the payroll process and the organisation.
β¨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation
Brush up on payroll legislation, HMRC regulations, and pension schemes before the interview. Being knowledgeable about these areas will show that you are serious about compliance and can contribute to a reliable payroll service.
β¨Prepare for Team Dynamics Questions
As a Deputy Payroll Manager, you'll need to lead and collaborate with a team. Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've influenced others to adopt new processes or systems in the past.