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- Tasks: Lead a team to ensure timely and accurate payroll for 6,500 employees.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a diverse and inclusive employer making a real difference.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
- Why this job: Make a measurable impact in a vibrant community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Expert payroll knowledge, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 52000 ÂŁ 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.
As Payroll Team Leader at the London Borough of Lewisham, you’ll make a real, measurable impact by ensuring 6,500 employees, including 1,500 teaching staff and 8,000 pensioners are paid accurately and on time. You’ll lead a skilled team of Senior Payroll Officers, own the payroll run end‑to‑end, and be the go‑to expert for complex calculations and queries. If you thrive on precision, people leadership and improving services, this is your opportunity to shape a high‑performing, customer‑focused payroll function at scale.
In this role, you’ll champion compliance and continuous improvement, liaising with HMRC, schools and partner organisations, optimising workflows, and driving down error rates. You’ll balance deadlines with quality, interpret evolving legislation, and strengthen our Service Level Agreements, all while developing your team and supporting an inclusive, diverse workplace.
You’ll lead a dedicated team to deliver accurate, timely payroll for thousands of employees and pensioners, tackling complex calculations and resolving queries with confidence. This is your chance to drive service excellence, shape best practices, and build strong relationships with schools and partner organisations, all while championing compliance and continuous improvement.
What’s 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
We’re looking for a confident leader with expert payroll knowledge, strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, and the ability to communicate clearly with a range of stakeholders. You’ll need excellent organisational abilities, high numeracy and IT proficiency, and a customer‑focused approach. If you’re committed to continuous improvement and thrive in a fast‑paced environment, we want to hear from you.
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.
Diversity 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.
Payroll Team Leader employer: Borough of Lewisham
Contact Detail:
Borough of Lewisham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Lewisham Council and its values. This will help you connect your experience with their mission and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your leadership stories! As a Payroll Team Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and inspire a team. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed a project or resolved a complex issue, and be ready to share them during your interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your payroll knowledge! Make sure you're familiar with the latest payroll legislation and best practices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will set you apart as a knowledgeable candidate who can hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. This not only shows good manners but also reinforces your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for, so make sure you highlight those in your application.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make it personal and specific to the Payroll Team Leader role. We love seeing how you meet each of the person specification criteria, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Just tell us what we need to know about your experience and skills.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need to complete your application successfully.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge before the interview. Understand the end-to-end payroll process, including complex calculations and compliance with HMRC regulations. Being able to confidently discuss these topics will show that you're the expert they need.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in the past. Think about specific situations where you improved processes or resolved conflicts. This role is all about people leadership, so demonstrating your ability to inspire and manage a team will be key.
✨Be Ready for Problem-Solving Questions
Expect questions that assess your analytical and problem-solving skills. Prepare to discuss how you've tackled payroll issues or improved workflows in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers clearly.
✨Understand Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Lewisham's commitment to diversity and community impact. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to an inclusive workplace and support their mission. Showing that you align with their values will set you apart from other candidates.
