Payroll Lead

We are proud to be partnering with an award-winning educational institution in Southwest London, who are looking to appoint a Payroll Lead for a Fixed term maternity cover until the end of May 2027. This will be a full-time position based in Wimbledon, with hybrid working (2 days per week from home) and a salary of £48,000 - £52,000 per annum depending on experience.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in end-to-end payroll processing and software operations. Duties will include (but are not limited to):

• Lead the end-to-end monthly payroll process, ensuring accurate and compliant payroll delivery for all employees.
• Manage payroll changes including starters, leavers, contractual amendments, variable payments, statutory payments and pension administration.
• Produce payroll reconciliations, reports and year-end returns, ensuring compliance with HMRC, pension and employment legislation.
• Act as the main liaison with the external payroll provider, driving service improvements and supporting payroll system enhancements.
• Lead the implementation and ongoing development of the new HR/Payroll system, including testing, data validation and process improvements.
• Provide payroll advice and support to employees and managers while maintaining accurate records, audit compliance and data confidentiality.

Experience required:

• Extensive experience delivering end-to-end payroll within a medium or large organisation.
• Experience managing payroll providers, payroll reconciliations and statutory reporting, including pensions and year-end processes.
• Experience improving payroll processes or supporting payroll system implementations would be highly desirable.

Skills, knowledge and expertise required:

• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, pensions and statutory payments.
• Advanced Excel skills with excellent numerical accuracy, analytical ability and attention to detail (Frontier Chris 21 system experience is desirable).
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with the ability to build effective working relationships and drive continuous improvement.

Rewards and Benefits:

• Competitive salary, generous annual leave (25 days plus bank holidays, pro rata) and an excellent contributory pension scheme with a 10% employer contribution.
• Access to a wide range of wellbeing benefits, including BUPA and Aviva employee assistance programs, a healthcare cash plan, and free use of the King's Club gym, swimming pool and sports facilities.
• Free lunch and refreshments during term time, shuttle bus service from Wimbledon station, Cycle to Work scheme and fee remission for children of staff (subject to eligibility).
• Ongoing training, development opportunities and the chance to be part of a friendly, collaborative school community renowned for its academic excellence and strong pastoral care.

Working hours: 40 hours per week. Please note that you require recent experience to apply for this role.