At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop payroll and pensions services, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Company: People-centred public sector organisation focused on staff wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent public sector benefits, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence senior leaders and work in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in colleagues' lives while shaping payroll systems.
- Qualifications: Significant payroll experience, ideally in a large or complex organisation.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Payroll professional seeking challenge, influence and purpose? Our client, a people‐centred public sector organisation committed to staff wellbeing and development, now has a fantastic opportunity for an exceptional Payroll Manager to lead their payroll and pensions function. This pivotal role will suit someone who enjoys complexity, values accuracy, and wants their work to make a real difference to the lives of colleagues.
This isn't a routine payroll role. It's strategic, people‐focused, and influential - with the opportunity to shape systems, advise senior leaders, and lead a dedicated payroll team. Reporting to the Director of People and working closely with the CEO, CFO and other leaders, this role will provide genuine visibility and influence.
As Payroll Manager, you will:
- Lead and develop the organisation's in-house payroll and pensions service, ensuring it is accurate, compliant and timely
- Act as an expert on payroll, pensions and contractual matters, providing clear, confident advice to colleagues and senior leaders
- Oversee monthly in-house payroll for a large, complex workforce, including pensions, statutory returns and year‐end activity
- Line manage and develop payroll staff, creating a supportive and high‐performing team
- Work closely with HR and Finance colleagues to improve systems, reporting and processes
- Anticipate and implement changes in legislation, ensuring the organisation remains compliant and well‐informed
To be considered you will require:
- Significant experience in payroll and pensions, ideally gained in a large or complex organisation, preferably within the education sector or wider public sector
- A recognised relevant payroll or pensions qualification (e.g. CIPP), or be working towards this
- Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, PAYE, HMRC and pension schemes
- Experience of using and developing usage of payroll systems (EduPay desirable)
- The ability to manage deadlines, detail and competing priorities and explain complex information clearly and tactfully
- Knowledge and experience of public sector pensions schemes such as TPS and/or LGPS
Payroll Manager in Essex employer: Festival of Work
East Surrey College and John Ruskin College offer a dynamic and supportive work environment where you can truly make a difference in shaping workforce strategies and enhancing the experience of both staff and students. With a commitment to professional development, a collaborative culture, and excellent benefits including competitive salaries, pension schemes, and wellness initiatives, this is an exceptional opportunity for those looking to grow in a values-driven educational setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and public sector. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Be ready to discuss specific payroll challenges you've tackled in the past. Use examples that highlight your strategic thinking and ability to lead a team effectively.
✨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 and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Manager role. Highlight your experience in payroll and pensions, especially in complex organisations. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can make a difference. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of our mission.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've led teams or improved payroll processes. We’re all about results and impact here at StudySmarter.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Festival of Work
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll and pensions knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with current legislation, PAYE, and pension schemes relevant to the public sector. Being able to confidently discuss these topics will show that you're not just experienced but also up-to-date.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led and developed staff in the past. Think about specific situations where you created a supportive environment or improved team performance, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead effectively.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
This isn't just about processing payroll; it's about influencing and advising senior leaders. Be ready to discuss how you've shaped systems or processes in previous roles. Think strategically about how you can contribute to the organisation's goals and be prepared to share your ideas.
✨Practice Clear Communication
You'll need to explain complex information clearly and tactfully, so practice articulating your thoughts on payroll matters. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or colleague to refine your ability to communicate effectively, especially when discussing intricate details with non-experts.
