Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a payroll team and ensure compliance during a busy transition period.
- Company: Join a dynamic public sector organisation with a focus on governance.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, potential for temp-to-perm, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading payroll operations and enhancing ERP systems.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in payroll and strong technical knowledge of HMRC compliance.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with SAP/SuccessFactors and manage complex payroll operations.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
This role is Inside IR35 Clearance: BPSS.
Location: Stratford (Hybrid – approx. 50%, may need more during busy periods).
Contract Length: 31/07/2026.
Any particular experience/sector you would like the candidate to have? Public sector preferred for governance and pace. Large-scale payroll experience desirable.
Top 3 Essential Skills:
- Leadership and team management in payroll.
- In-house payroll delivery experience.
- Strong technical payroll knowledge (HMRC, PSA, compliance).
What must you see on the CV?
- Proven experience leading a payroll team.
- Delivered in-house payroll solutions (not outsourced).
- Strong understanding of payroll processes, HMRC obligations, and year-end requirements.
- Experience managing complex payroll operations.
Details of the Role:
Interim Head of Payroll to cover departure of incumbent (leaving week before 28th February). Busy period: multiple payrolls, pay awards, and SAP system migration (moving from SAP on-premise to SuccessFactors). 12-week data validation project with provider and implementation partner. Role involves leadership, oversight, and support for payroll team (16 employees, 3 direct reports). No data entry – focus on validation and compliance. Could be extended beyond 6 months; potential temp-to-perm option. Opportunity to add value in ERP space if candidate has SAP/SuccessFactors experience.
Top 3 Desirable Skills:
- SAP and/or SuccessFactors experience.
- Public sector experience (understanding governance and pace).
- Weekly payroll experience (nice to have).
Desirable CIPD or payroll qualifications desirable but not mandatory.
Head of Payroll employer: ComXps
Contact Detail:
ComXps Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Payroll
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and public sector. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Payroll role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical payroll knowledge. Make sure you can confidently discuss HMRC obligations and compliance. We want you to shine when they ask about your experience with in-house payroll delivery!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully managed payroll teams in the past. Highlight any experience you have with large-scale payroll operations, especially in the public sector.
✨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!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payroll
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership and team management experience in payroll. We want to see how you've delivered in-house payroll solutions and your understanding of HMRC obligations, so don’t hold back on those details!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: We’re looking for strong technical payroll knowledge, so include any relevant experience with payroll processes and compliance. If you’ve worked with SAP or SuccessFactors, make that pop out in your application!
Highlight Relevant Experience: If you have public sector experience, let us know! It’s a big plus for this role, especially when it comes to governance and pace. Share specific examples of how you've managed complex payroll operations.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at ComXps
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical payroll knowledge, especially around HMRC obligations and compliance. Be ready to discuss your experience with in-house payroll delivery and how you've managed complex payroll operations in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Payroll, leadership is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a payroll team, managed direct reports, and delivered results. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SAP/SuccessFactors
Since there's a migration from SAP to SuccessFactors, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of these systems. If you have experience with either, be ready to share how you've used them to improve payroll processes.
✨Understand the Public Sector Landscape
If you have public sector experience, highlight it! Discuss how you understand the governance and pace required in this environment. If not, do some research to show that you grasp the unique challenges faced in public sector payroll.
