At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the payroll service, ensuring accurate and timely processing for over 6,500 employees.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a diverse community-focused organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, flexible working, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make an impact in your community while developing your career in payroll management.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and knowledge of statutory reporting required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 62000 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK's first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
The Lewisham payroll service supports the efficient operation of the Council. This includes the monthly payroll, including the completion of statutory returns, for 6500 employees, including 1500 teaching staff and a further 8000 former employees in receipt of an occupational pension. The function is strategically located in the finance service because of the significant requirement to discharge the employer's responsibility properly in the context of constantly changing legislative requirements.
The Payroll Manager reports directly into the Head of Payroll and Pensions and is responsible for the running of the payroll service and the management of the team. You will be the Council's expert on payroll, the primary point of contact for complex payroll inquiries, demonstrating a specialist knowledge in a complex area. You will be expected to provide advice to senior management, service users, partners and external agencies ensuring the Council does not incur financial penalties for mal-administration, late notification and payment.
You will be responsible for the comprehensive management and oversight of Lewisham Council's payroll function, ensuring the accurate timely and compliant processing of over 6,500 salaries and 8,000 pension payments monthly. Be accountable for the integrity and efficiency of the payroll processes, with the aim to minimise the number of potential errors and, where necessary, ensuring that corrective action is implemented immediately to mitigate loss and risk to the Council. Finally, you will have the important responsibility of leading and motivating the team to ensure that a professional, high quality and responsive payroll service is in place, which demonstrates accountability, performance, continuous improvement and value for money.
What’s in it for you? Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
As the Payroll Manager you will be an experienced manager with a detailed knowledge of managing, processing and reconciling a large monthly payroll budget within a payroll team to deliver a quality, proactive and customer focused payroll service. You will have an in-depth working knowledge of all aspects of payroll and statutory reporting (e.g. PAYE, tax, national insurance and pensions regulations in relation to payroll service delivery).
You will be:
- Able to interpret complex legislation and regulations;
- Able to problem solve and find solutions within regulations;
- Able to deal with a wide range of people;
- Able to deal with a highly pressurised work environment and manage deadlines.
In return, we’ll offer excellent development opportunities, plus a range of benefits that includes a career average pension scheme, flexible working and the opportunity to make a real difference to our local community.
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
Diversity Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process.
Payroll Manager in City of London employer: Lewisham Council
Lewisham Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values diversity and community impact. With excellent training and development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a generous benefits package including a local government pension scheme, employees can thrive both professionally and personally while making a meaningful difference in the lives of our vibrant communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager in City of London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
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Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Lewisham Council. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Lewisham Council.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Lewisham Council's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lewisham Council
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Lewisham Council.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Lewisham Council will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Lewisham Council employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
