At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing payroll service and ensure compliance with complex regulations.
- Company: Forward-thinking Council dedicated to high-quality public services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for strategic visibility and long-term stability in local government.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while shaping payroll systems at scale.
- Qualifications: In-depth payroll knowledge and experience in leading teams.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 € per year.
Are you a payroll expert who thrives in complexity, leads with confidence and understands the risk, scale and precision required to run a large public sector payroll function? We are seeking an exceptional Payroll Manager to lead a high-performing payroll service within a forward-thinking Council, responsible for processing over 6,500 salaries and 8,000 pension payments each month. This is a senior leadership role within Finance, where technical expertise, commercial awareness and strategic thinking are equally important. This is not a transactional payroll role. This is about ownership, accountability and influence.
The Opportunity
As Payroll Manager, you will be the Council’s subject matter expert — the person senior leaders turn to for assurance, clarity and confidence. You will take full responsibility for the integrity, efficiency and compliance of the payroll function, ensuring that payments are accurate, legislation is correctly interpreted and the Council is protected from financial penalties and reputational risk. Your responsibilities will include:
- Interpreting complex HMRC legislation and statutory regulations
- Ensuring all payroll returns are processed accurately and on time
- Overseeing overpayment recovery and financial controls
- Leading internal and external audits
- Preparing complex casework and tribunal documentation where required
- Leading contractual negotiations for payroll services to secure value for money
- Overseeing the implementation of new services and payroll technology
- Developing and reviewing payroll systems, policies and contingency plans
You will also contribute strategically — producing high-quality reports for senior leadership, supporting savings programmes and helping shape the future direction of payroll within the Council.
Leadership & Impact
You will lead and develop a skilled payroll team, directly managing:
- Payroll Team Leader
- Payroll Technical Lead
You will create a culture of accountability, professionalism and continuous improvement — setting high standards, developing talent and ensuring performance is consistently strong. You will deputise for the Head of Service where required and represent payroll at senior and strategic forums.
About You
You are an experienced payroll leader who combines technical depth with strategic awareness. You bring:
- In-depth knowledge of HMRC legislation, PAYE, tax, NI and pensions regulations
- Strong understanding of Local Government Terms and Conditions (NJC, Teachers, Soulbury and local agreements)
- Expertise in financial management, reconciliation and budget oversight
- Experience managing audits and complex compliance frameworks
- Strong knowledge of GDPR, data protection and financial regulations
- Proven experience leading and developing teams
- Experience delivering efficiencies and managing service budgets
- Confidence in influencing senior stakeholders and managing complex relationships
You may hold a relevant degree or professional payroll qualification, or have significant experience managing a large payroll function.
Why Join This Council?
This Council is committed to delivering high-quality public services while creating a professional, supportive and forward-looking working environment. In return, you will benefit from:
- A senior leadership role with real strategic visibility
- The opportunity to shape payroll systems and controls at scale
- Meaningful impact across the organisation
- Competitive salary at PO8
- Long-term stability and career development within local government
If you are ready to take full ownership of a complex, high-volume payroll service — and want to lead with confidence in an organisation where your expertise will truly matter — we would welcome your application.
Payroll Manager in Brockley employer: Imperium Resourcing
This Council offers an exceptional opportunity for a Payroll Manager to lead a high-performing payroll service in a supportive and forward-thinking environment. With a commitment to professional development, competitive salaries, and the chance to make a meaningful impact across the organisation, this role provides not only stability but also the opportunity to shape payroll systems at scale. Join a culture that values accountability, continuous improvement, and strategic influence, ensuring your expertise is recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager in Brockley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and showcase your expertise. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of HMRC legislation and local government terms. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex payroll challenges in the past. Show them you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that align with your skills and values. Use our website to find positions that excite you and match your experience. Tailor your approach to each opportunity!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and remind them why you’re the perfect fit for their payroll team.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager in Brockley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your payroll expertise and leadership skills. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand the role and can meet its demands.
Showcase Your Experience:Don’t just list your previous roles; explain how your experience aligns with the responsibilities mentioned. Highlight specific achievements in managing payroll functions, compliance, and team leadership.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points for easy reading and ensure your key skills and experiences stand out. We want to see your strengths without wading through unnecessary details.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and shows your enthusiasm for joining our forward-thinking Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperium Resourcing
✨Know Your Payroll Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of HMRC legislation and statutory regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you've interpreted these in past roles, as this will show your depth of expertise and confidence in handling complex payroll issues.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in leading teams and developing talent. Think about specific situations where you created a culture of accountability and professionalism, as this aligns with the Council's expectations for a Payroll Manager.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss how you've contributed to strategic initiatives in previous roles. This could include producing high-quality reports or supporting savings programmes, which will illustrate your ability to think beyond transactional tasks.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Think of instances where you've influenced senior stakeholders or managed complex relationships. Being able to articulate your approach to these interactions will be crucial, as the role requires strong communication and negotiation skills.
