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- Tasks: Lead payroll and pensions services for Lewisham Council, ensuring efficient operations and compliance.
- Company: Join a vibrant council committed to diversity and community impact.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, local government pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a supportive environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experienced professional with strong knowledge of payroll and pensions legislation.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and development opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 67000 - 76000 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
The Lewisham payroll service supports the efficient operation of the Council. This includes the monthly payroll including the completion of statutory returns for 6500 employees including 1500 teaching staff and a further 8000 former employees in receipt of an occupational pension. The function is strategically located in the finance service because of the significant requirement to discharge the employer's responsibility properly in the context of constantly changing legislative requirements.
The Head of Payroll and Pensions forms part of the senior leadership team in the Finance Service reporting to the Director of Finance (deputy S151).
As the Head of Payroll and Pensions you will be the strategic lead and responsible for Lewisham Council's payroll and pensions services. The annual payroll for the Council is over £170m and the value of the Lewisham LGPS is circa £1.85bn. As a member of the Finance Leadership team you will contribute to the overall leadership and management of the Finance function by taking leadership of the payroll and pensions service. Setting the direction developing and managing an efficient effective and responsive payroll and pensions administration service. Fostering a skilled customer-focused and high-performing environment which seeks to innovate and improve.
You will be the Council's principal expert on all payroll and pension related matters offering advice and support to senior management and stakeholders on payroll and pension issues and identifying the impact and implications of national imperatives and legislation; in addition you will be the subject matter expert on the complex legislative framework governing pension administration including LGPS Regulations 2013, Transitional Regulations 2014, Pensions Acts 2004 and 2011, Public Services Pensions Act 2013 and Data Protection Act 2018.
Whats in it for you:
- Excellent training and development opportunities plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
As the Head of Payroll and Pensions you will be a confident experienced and suitably qualified professional able to utilise your detailed and extensive knowledge of the complex legislative and regulatory environment governing payroll and pensions and ensure that the service delivers to a consistently high standard. You will be a strong and highly motivated leader and team player with energy and credibility who commands the confidence of Members, senior managers, staff, business partners and stakeholders.
You will be:
- Ambitious, driven and energetic;
- Visible, approachable and accessible;
- Resilient, determined and confident;
- Outward facing.
The job is primarily based in Laurence House Catford, London SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
For an informal discussion about this job please contact Shida Ashrafi on 0.
Salary: £79,629 - £86,121 per annum (SMG3). All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale) which is subject to evidential proof.
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Head of Payroll and Pensions employer: Borough of Lewisham
Contact Detail:
Borough of Lewisham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Payroll and Pensions
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and pensions field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Lewisham Council and its payroll services thoroughly. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them innovate and improve. We want to see you shine as the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss your past experiences where you’ve led teams or projects successfully. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and motivate others, so let that energy and confidence come through!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind. We believe in making those connections count!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payroll and Pensions
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. Make sure you understand what they're looking for in a candidate. This will help us tailor your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences.
Showcase Your Experience: When writing your supporting statement, be specific about how your past experiences align with the role. Use examples that demonstrate your leadership and expertise in payroll and pensions, as this is key for us at StudySmarter.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your points are easy to understand. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let your voice come through in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re following the correct process. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham
✨Know Your Legislation
As the Head of Payroll and Pensions, you'll need to be well-versed in the complex legislative framework governing payroll and pensions. Brush up on the LGPS Regulations and the Pensions Acts before your interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re the expert they need.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires a strong leader who can foster a high-performing environment. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop staff, as this will resonate with their focus on succession planning.
✨Understand the Council's Vision
Familiarise yourself with Lewisham Council's mission and values, especially their commitment to diversity and community support. Be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in payroll and pensions management. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and readiness to tackle the complexities of the position.
