At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop payroll and pensions services, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Company: People-centred public sector organisation focused on staff wellbeing and development.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence, strategic role, and supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with visibility and influence among senior leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in colleagues' lives while shaping payroll systems.
- Qualifications: Significant payroll experience, relevant qualifications, and strong knowledge of legislation.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Payroll professional seeking challenge, influence and purpose? Our client, a people-centred public sector organisation committed to staff wellbeing and development, now has a fantastic opportunity for an exceptional Payroll Manager to lead their payroll and pensions function. This pivotal role will suit someone who enjoys complexity, values accuracy, and wants their work to make a real difference to the lives of colleagues.
This isn’t a routine payroll role. It’s strategic, people-focused, and influential - with the opportunity to shape systems, advise senior leaders, and lead a dedicated payroll team. Reporting to the Director of People and working closely with the CEO, CFO and other leaders, this role will provide genuine visibility and influence.
As Payroll Manager, you will:
- Lead and develop the organisation's in-house payroll and pensions service, ensuring it is accurate, compliant and timely.
- Act as an expert on payroll, pensions and contractual matters, providing clear, confident advice to colleagues and senior leaders.
- Oversee monthly in-house payroll for a large, complex workforce, including pensions, statutory returns and year-end activity.
- Line manage and develop payroll staff, creating a supportive and high-performing team.
- Work closely with HR and Finance colleagues to improve systems, reporting and processes.
- Anticipate and implement changes in legislation, ensuring the organisation remains compliant and well-informed.
To be considered you will require:
- Significant experience in payroll and pensions, ideally gained in a large or complex organisation, preferably within the education sector or wider public sector.
- A recognised relevant payroll or pensions qualification (e.g. CIPP), or be working towards this.
- Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, PAYE, HMRC and pension schemes.
- Experience of using and developing usage of payroll systems (EduPay desirable).
- The ability to manage deadlines, detail and competing priorities and explain complex information clearly and tactfully.
- Knowledge and experience of public sector pensions schemes such as TPS and/or LGPS.
Payroll Manager in Essex employer: Morgan Law client
Join a forward-thinking public sector organisation that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development, making it an exceptional employer for a Payroll Manager. With a strong focus on strategic influence and team collaboration, you will have the opportunity to lead a dedicated payroll function while shaping systems and advising senior leaders. Enjoy a supportive work culture that values accuracy and complexity, alongside genuine opportunities for career growth in a meaningful role that impacts the lives of colleagues.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager in Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and pensions field. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their values, mission, and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in their payroll function.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of how you've tackled complex payroll issues or improved processes in previous roles. We want to see your problem-solving skills in action, so be ready to discuss specific scenarios during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and take the initiative to connect with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Payroll Manager role. Highlight your experience in payroll and pensions, especially in complex organisations. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can make a difference. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a clear understanding of our mission.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your successes! Whether it's improving payroll processes or leading a team, we want to know how you've made an impact in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Law client
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll and pensions knowledge before the interview. Familiarise yourself with current legislation, PAYE, and pension schemes relevant to the public sector. Being able to confidently discuss these topics will show that you're not just experienced but also up-to-date.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a payroll team, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed and developed staff in the past. Think about specific situations where you created a supportive environment or improved team performance, as this will highlight your people-focused approach.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
This isn't just about processing payroll; it's about influencing and advising senior leaders. Be ready to discuss how you've shaped systems or processes in previous roles. Think strategically about how you can contribute to the organisation's goals and be prepared to share your ideas.
✨Practice Clear Communication
You'll need to explain complex information clearly and tactfully, so practice articulating your thoughts on payroll matters. Consider doing mock interviews with a friend or colleague, focusing on how you can simplify complicated concepts for those who may not have your expertise.
