At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a payroll team and ensure accurate monthly payroll for 500 employees.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in Harlow focused on payroll excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative public-sector environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading payroll processes and supporting your team.
- Qualifications: CIPP qualification and strong UK payroll experience required.
The predicted salary is between 28 - 28 £ per hour.
- Payroll & Systems Team Leader
- Job Purpose
We are seeking an experienced Payroll & Systems Team Leader to take responsibility for the effective delivery of a monthly payroll service for approximately 500 employees, alongside ad hoc payrolls such as elections.
This is a hands‑on leadership role, responsible for overseeing the end-to-end payroll process, supporting and developing the payroll team, and acting as a subject matter expert on payroll legislation, pensions and statutory requirements.
The successful candidate will work closely with HR and Finance to ensure payroll is processed accurately, efficiently and on time, while maintaining full compliance with UK payroll legislation and relevant Local Government requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, supervise and support the payroll team, ensuring the delivery of an accurate and timely monthly payroll.
- Manage the end-to-end payroll process, from input and validation through to final payroll sign-off and payment.
- Process payroll using an integrated HR and Payroll system, ideally MHR i Trent.
- Provide expert advice and guidance on complex payroll matters, including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, RTI, student loans and LGPS pensions.
- Ensure accurate and timely submission of Full Payment Submissions (FPS) and Employer Payment Summaries (EPS) to HMRC.
- Ensure payroll processes remain compliant with LGPS, Auto Enrolment and all relevant UK legislation.
- Process third-party payments and complete associated payroll reconciliations.
- Carry out monthly reconciliations relating to HMRC, National Insurance and LGPS.
- Prepare and provide accurate monthly payroll reports and analysis for Finance.
- Complete and submit monthly returns to the Essex Pension Fund.
- Ensure BACS payment files are accurately prepared and processed ahead of the monthly pay date.
- Support the processing of ad hoc payrolls, including election-related payments.
- Work collaboratively with HR and Finance to resolve payroll queries and ensure accurate employee records and payments.
- Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls and systems.
- Provide guidance and support to the payroll team, promoting high standards of accuracy, confidentiality and customer service.
- Ensure payroll data is handled securely and in accordance with data protection and confidentiality requirements.
Essential Skills & Experience
- CIPP qualification or equivalent recognised payroll qualification.
- Proven experience working in a payroll leadership or senior payroll position.
- Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
- Practical experience across PAYE, National Insurance, RTI, statutory payments, student loans and pensions.
- Strong understanding of LGPS and payroll-related pension processes.
- Experience managing or supervising a payroll team.
- Excellent attention to detail and a strong focus on payroll accuracy and deadlines.
- Strong reconciliation and analytical skills.
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively to strict payroll deadlines.
- Strong communication skills, with the confidence to provide expert payroll advice to colleagues and stakeholders.
Desirable Experience
- Previous experience within Local Government or another public‑sector environment.
- Knowledge and practical experience of Local Government pay and conditions.
- Previous experience using MHR i Trent or a similar integrated HR and payroll system.
- Experience processing elections or other ad hoc payrolls.
- Experience working with a Local Government Pension Scheme and local pension fund returns.
- What We’re Looking For
This opportunity would suit an experienced payroll professional who combines strong technical payroll knowledge with proven team leadership skills.
You will be comfortable taking ownership of the full payroll cycle, resolving complex queries and ensuring a high‑quality service is delivered consistently and on time.
If you are CIPP qualified, have substantial UK payroll experience and are looking for a role where you can lead a payroll function while remaining involved in the operational detail, we would be keen to hear from you.
Salary
Job Type
Temporary
Location
- Harlow, Essex
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Payroll and Systems Team Leader – Full Time – Harlow employer: Catering
Join a thriving manufacturing team in Ossett, where your skills as an Assembly Operative will be valued and rewarded. With a competitive salary of £13.00 per hour and opportunities for overtime, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. This role not only offers job security with a permanent position after three months but also the chance to work with a variety of tools in a dynamic environment, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll and Systems Team Leader – Full Time – Harlow
✨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 Catering!
✨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 Catering.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll and Systems Team Leader – Full Time – Harlow
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 Catering. 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 Catering 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 Catering. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Catering'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 Catering
✨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 Catering.
✨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 Catering 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 Catering and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
