Senior Payroll & Pensions Officer 2 (Internal Applicants Only) in London

City St George’s, University of London is the University of business, practice and the professions and brings together the expertise and excellence of City, University of London and St George’s, University of London into one institution. The combined university is now one of the largest higher education destinations for London students, combining a breadth of disciplines across health, business, policy, law, creativity, communications, science and technology. Our students are at the heart of everything that we do, and we are committed to supporting them to pursue their career and personal ambitions.

Our research is engaged, at the frontier of practice and has a positive impact on the world around us.

The Senior Payroll and Pensions Officer is a pivotal role within the University’s Payroll and Pensions Team, forming part of the wider Finance Directorate. The function is responsible for the accurate, timely and compliant delivery of payroll and pensions services across the institution. Operating within a complex and highly regulated environment, the team provides specialist expertise to support the University’s obligations while upholding the highest standards of governance, accuracy, and customer service. The role contributes directly to maintaining the integrity of payroll operations and strengthening relationships with key institutional and external stakeholders.

As a senior member of the team, you will play a critical role in ensuring the effective operation and ongoing enhancement of the in-house payroll and pensions function. Your responsibilities will include leading key payroll reconciliation activities to ensure accuracy, completeness and robust audit trails, as well as overseeing statutory and regulatory reporting requirements, including submissions to HMRC. You will manage relationships with pension scheme providers such as USS, LPFA, NHS and SAUL ensuring compliance and the timely processing of all activities. The role also involves ensuring the accurate processing and reconciliation of third-party payments, supporting the development and implementation of strong internal controls, and identifying opportunities for process improvement. Acting as a subject matter expert, you will provide guidance and support to colleagues and stakeholders, build and maintain strong working relationships with internal departments and external partners, and contribute to the ongoing enhancement of payroll and pensions systems, processes and reporting.

We are seeking an experienced and highly capable payroll professional with a strong track record in payroll and pensions administration within a complex organisation. You will bring a proactive, solutions-focused mindset, alongside the ability to work autonomously, exercise sound judgement and manage multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment. You will demonstrate advanced knowledge of payroll and pensions processes, controls and compliance requirements, along with exceptional attention to detail and a strong commitment to accuracy and risk mitigation. You will have excellent organisational skills, enabling you to prioritise effectively and deliver under pressure. A collaborative and professional approach is essential, as is the confidence to engage with stakeholders at all levels. You will also be committed to continuous improvement and delivering high standards of service.

Further Information can be found in the JD-Senior Payroll and Pensions officer.pdf. Closing date for applications: 23 August 2026 at 11:59pm. The selection process will involve an interview. Further details will be confirmed at the interview stage. City St George’s offers a sector-leading salary, pension scheme and benefits including a comprehensive package of staff training and development. City St George’s, University of London is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all its activities, processes, and culture for our whole community, including staff, students and visitors. We welcome applications regardless of age, caring responsibilities, disability, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital status, nationality, pregnancy, race and ethnic origin, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation and socio-economic background. City St George’s operates a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants.