At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll operations, ensuring accurate and timely payments for all College employees.
- Company: Join a supportive HR team at a reputable College focused on excellence.
- Benefits: Full-time role with competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on compliance and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by ensuring staff are paid accurately and on time.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll systems and strong attention to detail required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Payroll Lead to join our HR team and take responsibility for the operational management and delivery of payroll and pension services across the College. This is an exciting opportunity for a payroll professional with strong technical expertise, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to delivering an exceptional service to our staff. You will play a pivotal role in ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll, managing pension administration, maintaining statutory compliance, and supporting strategic decision‑making through payroll reporting and analysis.
Reporting to the Executive Director of Human Resources, you will lead all aspects of payroll and pension administration, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time each month while maintaining compliance with HMRC regulations, Teachers' Pensions, Greater Manchester Pension Fund requirements, and other statutory obligations. You will work closely with colleagues across Human Resources and Finance to ensure payroll data is processed efficiently and accurately, while continuously reviewing and improving systems and processes.
Please note: This is a full time, office‑based role.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the delivery of an accurate and timely monthly payroll service for all College employees.
- Manage payroll systems administration and relationships with payroll software providers.
- Ensure the accurate integration and processing of payroll data between HR, payroll and finance systems.
- Liaise with HR regarding starters, leavers, contractual changes, overtime, expenses, absences and deductions.
- Complete monthly payroll reconciliations in partnership with the Finance team.
- Develop and implement robust payroll and pension verification processes.
- Ensure all statutory returns and payments to HMRC and other regulatory bodies are completed accurately and within required deadlines.
- Manage all aspects of Teachers' Pensions and Greater Manchester Pension Fund administration, including opt‑ins, opt‑outs, retirements and member enquiries.
- Ensure compliance with attachment of earnings orders and other statutory deductions.
- Act as the primary point of contact for payroll and pension‑related enquiries.
- Produce regular payroll reports, annual returns and management information.
- Undertake pay modelling and workforce cost analysis to support management decision‑making.
- Lead payroll and pension audits and ensure compliance with relevant legislation and College policies.
- Complete external returns, including submissions to the Association of Colleges, Department for Education, Office for National Statistics and other relevant organisations.
- Maintain secure handling of payroll and pension information in accordance with GDPR requirements.
- Experience administering both Teachers and Local Government pension schemes.
- Proficiency in using payroll systems, such as iTrent and Microsoft Excel.
- Significant experience managing end‑to‑end payroll processes.
- Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and statutory reporting.
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
- Experience producing payroll reports and reconciliations.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet strict deadlines.
- Excellent communication and customer service skills.
Payroll Lead in Radcliffe employer: Bury College
Join our College as a Payroll Lead and become part of a supportive and dynamic HR team dedicated to delivering exceptional payroll and pension services. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values attention to detail and continuous improvement, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in the heart of Greater Manchester, we provide a fulfilling work environment where your expertise will directly contribute to the success of our staff and institution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Lead in Radcliffe
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Bury College!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Bury College.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Lead in Radcliffe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Bury College. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Bury College and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Bury College. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Bury College's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bury College
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Bury College.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Bury College will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Bury College and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
