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- Tasks: Manage payroll services for 6,500 employees and ensure compliance with regulations.
- Company: Lewisham Council, a diverse and community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, flexible working, and local government pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and knowledge of statutory reporting required.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and development opportunities.
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.
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 employers responsibility properly in the context of constantly changing legislative requirements. The Head of Payroll and Pensions forms part of the senior leadership team in the Finance Service, reporting to the Director of Finance (deputy S151).
The Payroll service has recently been restructured with the following outcomes achieved:
- To review staffing levels in the light of the loss of some academies and efficiencies gained through the introduction of Oracle.
- To introduce a flatter management structure which will facilitate more succession planning and a career path for staff working in the service.
- For comparability and consistency with the pensions service which has already been through its own restructuring process.
- To provide an improved service to customers through the introduction of clearer and more consistent job descriptions and person specifications linked to a well-defined learning and development plan for all staff working in the service.
There are two roles available, the Head of Payroll and Pensions and the Payroll Manager.
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 CVs. Applicant handbook (online) - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. 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. Closing date: Sunday 30 November 2025, 23:59pm.
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. We support the access to work scheme. The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Payroll Manager employer: London Borough of Lewisham
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Lewisham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Lewisham Council and its values. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their vibrant community.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of Payroll Manager and be ready to discuss specific examples of your past work.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions! At the end of your interview, have a couple of thoughtful questions prepared. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the job is the right fit for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, make sure to thoroughly read the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with what they're looking for, so highlight those relevant skills and experiences in your application.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure it covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed. We recommend using specific examples from your past work to demonstrate your expertise in payroll management.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward language that gets your message across without unnecessary fluff. Remember, clarity is key when discussing complex payroll topics!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is received correctly. Plus, it helps us keep track of all applications efficiently. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Lewisham
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of payroll processes, statutory reporting, and relevant legislation. Being able to discuss PAYE, tax, national insurance, and pensions regulations confidently will show that you're the expert they need.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Payroll Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've motivated and managed teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you resolved them while keeping your team engaged.
✨Prepare for Complex Inquiries
Expect to tackle some tricky payroll inquiries during the interview. Practice articulating how you would approach complex problems and provide solutions, demonstrating your ability to interpret legislation and regulations effectively.
✨Emphasise Customer Focus
The role requires a proactive and customer-focused approach. Be ready to share examples of how you've delivered excellent service in previous roles, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your commitment to continuous improvement and value for money.
