At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Payroll & Benefits team, ensuring accurate and timely payroll delivery.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on employee confidence and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by safeguarding employee pay and benefits while driving continuous improvement.
- Qualifications: 3 years in payroll, strong analytical skills, and experience mentoring others.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
To provide operational leadership within the Payroll & Benefits function, acting as a senior payroll subject‑matter expert and day‑to‑day lead for the team. The role is responsible for ensuring payroll and benefits processes are delivered accurately, compliantly, and on time, while supporting the Payroll & Benefits Manager through coaching, operational oversight, and acting as a key point of escalation. The Team Lead operates as a player–coach: maintaining hands‑on delivery responsibility while driving consistency, quality, resilience, and continuous improvement across payroll operations.
This role matters because it safeguards employee confidence in pay and benefits, protects the business from financial, regulatory, and reputational risk, creates resilience in a critical function through ownership, controls, and strong operational discipline, and raises the bar beyond processing — embedding consistency, accountability, and continuous improvement. The team lead will not just run payroll; they will be owning outcomes, coaching capability, and ensuring payroll stands up to scrutiny at every level.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:- Oversee and contribute to the accurate and timely delivery of Bytes Software Services payroll, ensuring compliance with UK payroll legislation and internal controls. This includes leading complex processing areas including commission structures, OTE calculations, salary sacrifice arrangements, and statutory payments.
- Work closely with HR, Finance, Recruitment, and Business Managers to ensure smooth handling of payroll‑related changes and initiatives.
- Provide day‑to‑day leadership and guidance to Payroll Specialists, ensuring work is prioritised, standards are upheld, and deadlines are met.
- Lead monthly payroll collation, validation, and sign‑off preparation: Review and validate input data, calculations, and reconciliations. Ensure commission and variable pay data is accurate and supported. Oversee statutory calculations and adjustments.
- Support and quality‑check starters, leavers, role changes, tax status changes, and benefits amendments.
- Manage sensitive employee data with the highest levels of confidentiality and integrity.
- Handle complex payroll and benefits enquiries, providing resolution and guidance.
- Support internal and external audits, providing evidence and explanations as required.
- Actively mentor and develop Payroll Specialists through coaching, feedback, and knowledge sharing.
- Internal: Payroll & Benefits, Finance, HR, Recruitment, Business Managers
- External: Government bodies, payroll software company, benefits providers
- Educational Qualifications: Maths
- Professional Qualifications: Payroll Training CIPP Qualification
- Years of Experience: 3 years in a dedicated Payroll position, 3 years administering Benefits programmes, Experience supporting or mentoring others in a payroll environment
- Other Requirements: Ability to analyse, reconcile, and interpret payroll data confidently, PowerBI or HR & payroll reporting experience, HRIS systems training will be provided
- Exceptionally trustworthy and discreet with sensitive and confidential data
- Able to work to deadlines, time management, prioritisation, discipline
- Confident subject‑matter expert, able to challenge constructively and advise articulately and credibly
- Holds personal accountability for maintaining effective payroll controls, audit readiness, and data quality
- Calm and methodical under pressure, with strong attention to detail
- Methodical, multi‑tasker
- Effective coach and collaborator, contributing positively to team capability and confidence
- OBJECTIVE MEASURE FREQUENCY Error‑free payroll outputs with minimal rework Monthly
- Payroll deadlines to be met All payroll milestones achieved on time, understanding when these fall in the monthly pay cycle Monthly
- Management of employee data for HR, Benefits & Payroll Accurate information & records for all employees Daily
- Operational resilience Smooth payroll delivery during absence or change Ongoing
- Quality & controls Audit‑ready processes with clear documentation As required
- Stakeholder confidence Positive feedback from employees, HR & Finance As required
- Team capability Demonstrated development and support of Specialists
Payroll & Benefits Team Lead in Leatherhead employer: Bytes Group
At Bytes Software Services, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values operational excellence and employee development. Our Payroll & Benefits Team Lead role offers a unique opportunity to lead a dedicated team while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration. With a focus on accuracy, compliance, and employee confidence, we provide a supportive environment where your expertise will be recognised and your career can flourish in the heart of the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll & Benefits Team Lead in Leatherhead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and benefits field. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you. Plus, attending industry events can help us meet potential employers face-to-face.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of payroll legislation and best practices. We should be ready to discuss how we can ensure compliance and accuracy in payroll processes. Show them we’re not just about running payroll; we’re about owning outcomes!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to get comfortable discussing our experience and skills. Focus on how we’ve led teams, managed sensitive data, and improved payroll operations. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our applications to highlight our leadership skills and operational expertise in payroll and benefits.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll & Benefits Team Lead in Leatherhead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Expertise:Make sure to highlight your experience in payroll and benefits. We want to see how you've tackled complex processing areas and ensured compliance with UK payroll legislation. Share specific examples that showcase your skills!
Be a Team Player:Since this role involves leading and mentoring others, let us know about your experience in coaching and supporting team members. We love seeing candidates who can collaborate effectively and contribute positively to team dynamics.
Attention to Detail is Key:In payroll, accuracy is everything! When you apply, emphasise your ability to manage sensitive data and maintain high standards. We appreciate candidates who can demonstrate their methodical approach and strong attention to detail.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bytes Group
✨Know Your Payroll Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on UK payroll legislation and internal controls. Be ready to discuss complex processing areas like commission structures and statutory payments, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a team or mentored others in a payroll environment. Highlight your ability to prioritise tasks and maintain high standards, as this will demonstrate your capability as a player-coach.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that test your problem-solving skills, especially around handling sensitive employee data and resolving payroll enquiries. Think of specific situations where you successfully navigated challenges.
✨Emphasise Continuous Improvement
Discuss any initiatives you've implemented to improve payroll processes or team performance. This shows you're not just about maintaining the status quo but are also focused on driving quality and resilience.
