Payroll Manager

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.