At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage payroll for 6,500 salaries and 8,000 pensions monthly.
- Company: Join a large public sector organisation with a focus on compliance and efficiency.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £63K, career development, and a chance to make an impact.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for leadership and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape payroll services that directly affect thousands of employees and pensioners.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and strong knowledge of HMRC regulations required.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 63000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced and highly skilled Payroll Manager to lead and manage a complex, high-volume payroll and pensions service within a large public sector environment. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring the accurate, timely and fully compliant processing of approximately 6,500 salaries and 8,000 pension payments each month, alongside maintaining robust financial controls and statutory compliance. You will act as the organisation’s payroll subject matter expert, providing specialist advice on complex payroll and pensions matters, interpreting legislation, and ensuring adherence to HMRC and other regulatory requirements. A key part of the role is safeguarding the organisation from financial risk, penalties, and reputational impact. This is a pivotal leadership position within a busy finance function, offering the opportunity to shape and improve payroll services that directly impact thousands of employees and pensioners. You will play a key role in driving efficiency, ensuring compliance, and delivering value for money across the service.
Location: London
Salary: £63K Per Year
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage the end-to-end payroll and pensions function
- Ensure accurate, timely and compliant payroll processing in line with legislation and organisational policies
- Act as the primary expert for complex payroll queries and statutory interpretation
- Oversee payroll reconciliation, error management, overpayments, and corrective action processes
- Maintain robust internal controls and lead on internal and external audit requirements
- Produce high-quality financial, statutory, and committee-level reports
- Manage Service Level Agreements and relationships with key stakeholders, including schools, partner organisations, and external agencies
- Lead, manage, and develop a specialist payroll team, driving high performance and continuous improvement
- Contribute to savings programmes, financial planning, and service transformation initiatives
- Deputise for the Head of Payroll & Pensions when required
Skills and Experience:
- Strong in-depth knowledge of HMRC regulations, PAYE, National Insurance, and public sector pensions
- Proven experience managing large and complex payroll operations in a high-volume environment
- Experience leading and developing teams effectively in a demanding setting
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail
- Confident interpreting complex legislation and ensuring compliance
- Experience working with multiple stakeholders across public sector or large organisations
- Excellent communication, organisational, and IT skills
Requirements:
- Relevant degree or professional payroll/finance qualification OR substantial equivalent experience
- Demonstrable experience managing large-scale payroll and ensuring statutory compliance
- Strong understanding of GDPR, financial regulations, and audit processes
Payroll Manager employer: RIBBONS & REEVES HOUSING
As a leading public sector employer in London, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values employee contributions and promotes professional growth. Our Payroll Manager role offers the chance to lead a dedicated team while ensuring compliance and efficiency in payroll services that impact thousands of individuals. With competitive salary packages and opportunities for continuous development, we are committed to supporting our employees in achieving their career aspirations within a dynamic and rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and finance sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience with complex payroll systems and compliance during interviews. Bring examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially those that align with the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you might even find some exclusive roles that aren’t advertised elsewhere.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Manager role. Highlight your experience with payroll processing, compliance, and team management. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Expertise:In your cover letter, don’t hold back on showcasing your knowledge of HMRC regulations and public sector pensions. We’re keen to see how you can be our go-to expert for complex payroll queries.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. We appreciate a straightforward approach!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at RIBBONS & REEVES HOUSING
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Payroll Manager, you'll be dealing with large volumes of data. Brush up on your knowledge of payroll metrics and compliance regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've managed payroll for similar-sized teams and the specific challenges you faced.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led a team in a high-pressure environment. Highlight any initiatives you've implemented that improved efficiency or compliance within payroll processes.
✨Understand the Legislation
Familiarise yourself with HMRC regulations, PAYE, and public sector pensions. Be prepared to answer questions about how you interpret complex legislation and ensure compliance. This will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be managing relationships with various stakeholders, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with different departments or external agencies. Show how you can communicate effectively and manage expectations across the board.
