At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-volume payroll service and manage a dedicated team.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Lewisham, a respected local authority.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, excellent pension, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Ongoing professional development opportunities available.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a diverse organisation while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven payroll management experience and strong leadership skills required.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Payroll Manager to join the London Borough of Lewisham and lead the delivery of a high-quality payroll service across the organisation. This is a key leadership role, responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely processing of payroll whilst driving continuous improvement, compliance, and exceptional customer service. You will manage a dedicated payroll team and play a pivotal role in supporting the council's workforce.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the delivery of a complex, high-volume payroll service, ensuring the accurate and timely payment of employees across multiple payrolls.
- Oversee the end-to-end monthly payroll cycle, ensuring all payroll deadlines, statutory submissions, and reporting requirements are met.
- Manage, motivate, and develop a team of Payroll Officers and Payroll Specialists, providing coaching, performance management, and ongoing professional development.
- Allocate and monitor team workloads to ensure service delivery standards are consistently achieved during peak payroll periods.
- Act as the senior escalation point for complex payroll, pension, taxation, and employment-related queries.
- Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, National Insurance, PAYE, statutory payments, and pension legislation, including LGPS requirements.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance payroll processes, controls, accuracy, and customer experience.
- Develop and maintain robust payroll controls and governance procedures to minimise risk and ensure audit compliance.
- Build effective working relationships with HR, Finance, Pensions, external providers, and senior stakeholders across the council.
- Lead payroll-related projects, including system upgrades, process automation, organisational restructures, and legislative changes.
- Produce and present payroll management information, KPIs, and performance reports to senior leadership.
- Monitor payroll service levels, identifying trends and implementing solutions to improve efficiency and service quality.
- Manage year-end payroll activities, including P60s, P11Ds, reconciliation processes, and statutory returns.
- Support workforce changes, restructures, contract variations, and organisational transformation programmes, ensuring payroll impacts are effectively managed.
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and excellent customer service within the payroll team.
About You
You will be an experienced Payroll Manager with a proven track record of successfully managing a busy payroll function. You will possess strong technical payroll knowledge, excellent leadership skills, and a commitment to delivering a first-class service.
Essential Requirements
- Significant payroll management experience within a high volume environment
- Strong knowledge of HMRC legislation and statutory payroll requirements
- Experience managing and developing payroll teams
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Experience of payroll systems and process improvement initiatives
- Ability to work effectively within a fast-paced environment
Desirable
- Public sector or local government payroll experience
- Knowledge of Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- CIPP qualification or equivalent payroll certification
- Experience working with Oracle payroll systems
What's on Offer?
- Opportunity to join a respected London Local Authority
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Excellent pension scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Ongoing professional development opportunities
- Chance to make a real impact within a large and diverse organisation
Interested? To find out more or to apply for this Payroll Manager opportunity with the London Borough of Lewisham, please get in touch today.
Payroll Manager in Catford employer: London Borough of Lewisham
Lewisham Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in our vibrant and culturally diverse communities. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer excellent training opportunities, generous holiday allowances, and a supportive work culture that values flexibility and inclusivity. Join us in our mission to champion the rights of refugees and migrants while enjoying the unique advantages of working in a borough recognised for its welcoming spirit.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Lewisham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager in Catford
✨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 London Borough of Lewisham!
✨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 London Borough of Lewisham.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager in Catford
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 London Borough of Lewisham. 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 London Borough of Lewisham 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 London Borough of Lewisham. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to London Borough of Lewisham'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 London Borough of Lewisham
✨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 London Borough of Lewisham.
✨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 London Borough of Lewisham 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 London Borough of Lewisham and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.