At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance across all employees and homes.
- Company: Hartford Care Group, a dynamic organisation focused on employee welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with a focus on integrity and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading payroll processes in a multi-site organisation.
- Qualifications: CIPP payroll qualification and significant payroll leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
Hartford Care Group is looking for a Head of Payroll to own accurate, controlled and timely payroll across all employees and homes. You’ll lead a payroll function of four, report directly to the CFO, and provide the workforce reporting that supports Finance, HR and operational leadership.
What you’ll be doing:
- Owning Group payroll across all entities, including timetables, cut-offs, approvals, sign-off and final payment controls.
- Establishing payroll controls, reconciliations and exception reporting, with variances investigated before payment.
- Taking responsibility for compliance with HMRC, PAYE, National Insurance, pensions, statutory payments and year-end reporting.
- Owning payroll data integrity across HR, rostering, time-recording and payroll systems.
- Leading the Payroll Manager and team, with clear standards, deadlines and cover for critical activities.
- Producing workforce reporting on FTE, vacancies, overtime, absence, pay trends and payroll-to-revenue ratios.
- Supporting workforce planning, budgeting and forecasting with reliable pay cost analysis.
- Maintaining controls over payroll bank files, payment approvals and access rights.
- Improving payroll processes and systems, reducing manual intervention and increasing resilience.
- Acting as the senior point of escalation for complex payroll matters.
What we’re looking for:
- CIPP payroll qualification or an equivalent recognised payroll qualification.
- Significant payroll leadership experience in a complex, multi-site organisation with high employee volumes and tight deadlines.
- A proven record of end-to-end payroll delivery, including reconciliations, sign-off and gross-to-net accuracy.
- Strong working knowledge of PAYE, NI, pensions, statutory payments, deductions and benefits, with experience keeping payroll audit-ready.
- Experience of managing payroll data across HR, rostering and time-recording systems.
- The analytical ability to explain payroll movements and workforce cost trends clearly.
- Confidence to challenge incomplete or inaccurate inputs and hold stakeholders to deadlines.
- Integrity and discretion with confidential employee information.
Head of Payroll in Hampshire employer: Hartford Care Ltd
Hartford Care Ltd is an excellent employer that prioritises the well-being of both its residents and staff at Cornford House, Pembury. With a strong focus on teamwork and communication, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that fosters personal growth and development. The company offers flexible working hours and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of residents, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Payroll in Hampshire
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Hartford Care Ltd!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Hartford Care Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payroll in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Hartford Care Ltd. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Hartford Care Ltd and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Hartford Care Ltd. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Hartford Care Ltd's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hartford Care Ltd
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Hartford Care Ltd.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Hartford Care Ltd will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Hartford Care Ltd and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
