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- Tasks: Lead payroll and pensions services, ensuring accuracy and compliance for all employees.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation in Cambridge and Huntingdon focused on service excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with potential for career advancement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and strong knowledge of payroll legislation required.
The predicted salary is between 43500 - 43500 £ per year.
Salary: £42,000–£45,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent | Full Time (37 hours per week) | Full Year
Location: Cambridge and Huntingdon
About the role:
Our client is seeking an experienced and highly organised Payroll & Pensions Manager to lead the delivery of an accurate, compliant and customer-focused payroll and pensions service. As the Payroll & Pensions Manager you will play a vital role in ensuring all employees are paid accurately and on time, while maintaining full compliance with statutory and contractual obligations. You will also lead on pensions administration, payroll system development, and continuous process improvement. This is an excellent opportunity for a Payroll & Pensions Manager who enjoys combining technical expertise with leadership, systems development, and service excellence.
Key Responsibilities:
- Payroll & Pensions
- Manage and process their monthly payroll using iTrent (MHR), ensuring accuracy and timely delivery.
- Submit statutory payroll returns including FPS, EPS, tax year-end reporting, and liaise with HMRC and other external bodies.
- Lead all pension administration for LGPS, Pension Scheme, and Auto Enrolment, ensuring full compliance with legislation.
- Reconcile pension contributions and maintain all monthly and year-end pension reporting.
- Act as the first point of contact for payroll and pension queries from employees and external providers.
- Monitor and improve payroll controls, authorisation workflows, and compliance processes.
- Manage and develop the iTrent HR/Payroll system to maximise automation and efficiency.
- Produce payroll forecasts, management reports, and annual budget data for Finance.
- Develop workforce reporting and management information to support strategic decision-making.
- Deliver training and guidance to managers and staff on system use and payroll processes.
- Line manage and support the development of the Payroll/HR Administrator.
- Build strong working relationships across HR, Finance, and wider teams.
About You:
Essential
- Significant payroll management experience in a medium or large organisation.
- Strong technical knowledge of payroll legislation, PAYE, National Insurance, and pensions.
- Experience using complex payroll systems (iTrent experience highly desirable).
- Excellent analytical skills and exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
Desirable
- Recognised payroll qualification (e.g. CIPP, AAT Level 4, or equivalent).
- Experience within education or local government payroll environments.
- Experience with Business Objects Reporting.
Payroll & Pensions Manager in Cambridge employer: National Skills Agency
Contact Detail:
National Skills Agency Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll & Pensions Manager in Cambridge
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the payroll and pensions field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Show Off Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with payroll systems like iTrent. Share specific examples of how you've improved processes or solved problems in previous roles. We want to see that you can bring real value to the table!
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the company and its payroll practices. Be ready to discuss how you can ensure compliance and improve their payroll services. We love candidates who come prepared with questions and insights that show they’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive job listings that you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s get you that Payroll & Pensions Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll & Pensions Manager in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll & Pensions Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially with payroll systems like iTrent, and showcase your technical knowledge of payroll legislation and pensions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your leadership skills and how you can contribute to improving payroll processes and compliance.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; highlight your achievements in previous roles. Did you improve payroll accuracy or streamline processes? We want to see how you've made a difference!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Skills Agency
✨Know Your Payroll Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your payroll legislation knowledge, especially around PAYE, National Insurance, and pensions. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but are also ready to tackle any complex issues that may arise.
✨Familiarise Yourself with iTrent
Since experience with iTrent is highly desirable, take some time to learn about its features and functionalities. If you can demonstrate your understanding of how to maximise automation and efficiency within the system, it’ll definitely set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Think about potential scenarios you might face in the role, such as handling payroll discrepancies or managing pension queries. Prepare clear examples from your past experience that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to maintain compliance under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Payroll & Pensions Manager, you’ll be expected to lead and support your team. Be ready to discuss your management style and how you’ve successfully developed others in previous roles. Highlighting your ability to build strong relationships across departments will also be key.