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- Tasks: Lead payroll operations and ensure compliance during a critical transition period.
- Company: Large public sector organisation with a focus on governance and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and a chance to lead impactful changes.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team during an exciting period of change.
- Why this job: Make a difference in payroll stability while supporting innovative system transitions.
- Qualifications: Senior payroll leadership experience, SAP and SuccessFactors expertise required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid)
Contract length: 6 months
Rate: £529.54 per day (Umbrella only)
IR35: Inside
An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Interim Payroll & Employee Payments Lead to support a large public sector organisation during a critical period of payroll and ERP change. This is a senior oversight role focused on governance, assurance, and compliance within an in-house payroll environment. It is not a payroll processing or data-entry position.
About you
- Senior experience leading in-house payroll functions in large organisations
- Hands-on SAP and SuccessFactors payroll experience (essential)
- Public sector background with strong governance awareness
- Detailed payroll knowledge including HMRC compliance, PSA, and year-end processes
- Experience overseeing complex payroll structures (weekly, four-weekly, and/or monthly)
- Experience supporting ERP or payroll system transitions, including data validation phases
The role
You will be responsible for maintaining payroll stability, accuracy, and compliance while supporting a live SAP to SuccessFactors transition. The role provides senior leadership, oversight of validation activity, and escalation management during a high-pressure operational period.
Key responsibilities
- Provide senior oversight of payroll and employee payments services
- Support a structured data validation programme
- Ensure statutory, HMRC, and governance compliance
- Act as escalation point for payroll risks and issues
- Work closely with system implementation partners and internal teams
- Maintain quality controls across employee payments
How to apply
Please apply with your CV, clearly outlining your SAP, SuccessFactors, and public sector payroll leadership experience.
Payroll Manager employer: Ceto Talent
Contact Detail:
Ceto Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and public sector space. Let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities, and who knows? They might just have the inside scoop on openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your SAP and SuccessFactors knowledge. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience and how you've tackled governance and compliance challenges in previous roles. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience overseeing complex payroll structures and managing transitions. They want to see that you can handle the pressure and keep things running smoothly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search. Let's get you that Payroll Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your SAP and SuccessFactors experience. We want to see how your background fits the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your public sector payroll leadership skills!
Showcase Governance Knowledge: Since this role focuses on governance and compliance, include specific examples of how you've ensured these in your previous roles. We love seeing candidates who understand the importance of these aspects in payroll management.
Highlight Transition Experience: If you've been involved in ERP or payroll system transitions, make it a point to mention it! We’re looking for someone who can navigate the complexities of such changes, so share your experiences and successes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ceto Talent
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your detailed payroll knowledge, especially around HMRC compliance and year-end processes. Be ready to discuss your hands-on experience with SAP and SuccessFactors, as these are essential for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires senior oversight, so be prepared to share examples of how you've led payroll functions in large organisations. Highlight any experiences where you ensured governance and compliance, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the position.
✨Prepare for High-Pressure Scenarios
Since the role involves managing payroll during a critical transition, think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated high-pressure situations. Discuss how you managed risks and escalated issues effectively, showcasing your problem-solving skills.
✨Understand the Transition Process
Familiarise yourself with ERP transitions, particularly data validation phases. Be ready to explain your experience in overseeing complex payroll structures and how you supported system changes, as this will be crucial for maintaining payroll stability.