At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic payroll team and ensure accurate, compliant payroll processes.
- Company: A leading Higher Education institution in London with a focus on development.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate of £45 - £50, plus opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment with a focus on continuous improvement and compliance.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in payroll leadership during a transformative period.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex payroll functions and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50 - 50 £ per hour.
Role type: Interim
Duration: 6 months
Sector: Higher Education
Location: London
Hourly rate: £45 - £50 per hour
Our client, a leading Higher Education institution in the South East, is seeking an experienced Head of Payroll to lead a large and complex payroll function through a period of continued development and change. This is a senior payroll leadership role with responsibility for ensuring the accuracy, compliance, timeliness and continuous improvement of payroll across the organisation, including UK and overseas employees.
The Role
- Lead and develop a team of payroll specialists, ensuring a high-quality payroll service is delivered to employees while maintaining robust controls, processes and compliance standards.
- Provide strategic and operational leadership to the payroll production team.
- Oversee the full monthly payroll cycle, including validation and sign-off of gross-to-net payroll, statutory submissions, payroll costings, payments and year-end processes.
- Ensure payroll deductions, pension processes and auto-enrolment requirements are accurately managed.
- Maintain compliance with UK legislation and relevant overseas payroll requirements.
- Develop, document and continuously improve payroll procedures, controls and processes.
- Lead payroll exception reporting and investigate potential underpayments, overpayments and anomalies.
- Ensure accurate and timely reconciliation of payroll and third-party payments.
- Liaise with HMRC, pension providers, auditors and other statutory and external bodies.
- Support payroll-related reward schemes and work with external providers.
- Produce management information, KPIs, statutory returns and other payroll reporting.
- Lead payroll-related projects, process improvements and change initiatives.
- Work closely with internal and external audit teams and implement agreed recommendations.
- Ensure business continuity and disaster recovery arrangements are robust and regularly reviewed.
- Develop the payroll team through effective leadership, performance management, training and succession planning.
Essential experience
- Experienced payroll professional who has operated successfully within a large, complex organisation, ideally within Higher Education or another similarly structured environment.
- A CIPP Foundation Degree or equivalent payroll qualification.
- Strong experience managing a complex end-to-end payroll function.
- Proven experience of leading and developing payroll teams.
- Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, statutory requirements and compliance.
- Experience managing monthly payroll cycle closure, statutory reporting and payments.
- Experience designing, implementing and continuously improving payroll processes and procedures.
- Experience working with integrated HR and payroll systems.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills, with exceptional attention to detail.
- The ability to interpret legislation and organisational policy and translate these into effective payroll processes.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience leading teams through organisational or process change.
- The confidence and composure to manage deadlines, complex issues and sensitive payroll.
Head of Payroll in Slough employer: Cedar Recruitment
Join a leading technology-based business that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture where your expertise in indirect tax will be highly regarded. With a focus on employee growth, you will have access to professional development opportunities and the chance to work with cutting-edge AI and automation tools. Located in a vibrant area, this role not only provides a competitive salary but also the chance to make a significant impact within a high-profile team known for its excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Payroll in Slough
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
Temporary roles in HR are often filled through agencies. Reach out to temp agencies that specialise in HR placements. They can help you find gigs quickly and give you a chance to demonstrate your skills in real-world scenarios.
✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Cedar Recruitment and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payroll in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Cedar Recruitment. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Cedar Recruitment, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Cedar Recruitment uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Cedar Recruitment.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Cedar Recruitment.
