Senior Payroll Officer in London

Senior Payroll Officer in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Lewisham Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Ensure accurate and timely payroll for thousands of employees and pensioners.
  • Company: Join Lewisham, a vibrant and diverse community championing rights for all.
  • Benefits: Generous holiday, flexible working, pension scheme, and staff discounts.
  • Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic borough while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Detail-oriented with payroll knowledge and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.

Are you ready to make a real impact in one of London’s most dynamic boroughs? Join Lewisham’s Payroll team and play a pivotal role in ensuring thousands of employees and pensioners are paid accurately and on time. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and enjoy building strong customer relationships, this is your chance to shine.

As Senior Payroll Officer, you’ll be responsible for the accurate and timely payment of Council, School, and Partner company staff, as well as pensioners. You’ll manage complex payroll queries, ensure compliance with legislation, and act as the main contact for your allocated schools. Your expertise will help maintain high service standards and support key projects within the team.

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

We’re seeking a detail-oriented professional with in-depth knowledge of payroll legislation, including Income Tax, NI, SSP, and SMP. You’ll need excellent numeracy, IT, and organisational skills, alongside proven experience in manual payroll calculations, statutory deductions, and using payroll IT systems, ideally within the public sector. Strong communication and customer service abilities are essential, as is the capacity to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines. You’ll be adept at problem-solving, building positive relationships, and providing clear advice on payroll issues. A commitment to equality, diversity, and continual professional development is vital. If you’re self-motivated, flexible, and thrive in a collaborative, customer-focused environment, we want to hear from you.

The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE RU but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Senior Payroll Officer in London employer: Lewisham Council

Join Lewisham Council as a Senior Payroll Officer and be part of a team that truly values its employees and the communities they serve. With a strong commitment to professional development, generous benefits including flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture that champions diversity and inclusion, you will find a rewarding environment where your contributions make a real difference. Located in the heart of one of London’s most vibrant boroughs, this role offers the unique opportunity to engage with a culturally rich community while enjoying a fulfilling career.

Lewisham Council

Contact Details:

Lewisham Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Payroll Officer in London

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 Lewisham Council!

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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 Lewisham Council.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Payroll Officer in London

Payroll Legislation Knowledge
Income Tax Understanding
National Insurance (NI) Knowledge
Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) Knowledge
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) Knowledge
Numeracy Skills
IT Skills

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 Lewisham Council. 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 Lewisham Council 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 Lewisham Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Lewisham Council'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 Lewisham Council

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 Lewisham Council.

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 Lewisham Council 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 Lewisham Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.