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- Tasks: Lead payroll operations and ensure compliance in a large public-sector organisation.
- Company: Join a complex public-sector organisation delivering essential services across London.
- Benefits: Competitive pay rate, flexible hours, and potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by leading a vital payroll function in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in payroll leadership and strong technical expertise required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in payroll transformation projects.
Our client is a large, complex public-sector organisation delivering critical services across London. They are seeking an experienced Head of Payroll to lead a high-profile, in-house payroll function within a wider Business Services directorate. The Business Services function provides end-to-end support across HR, finance, procurement, reporting and property, enabling the organisation to operate efficiently, effectively and compliantly at scale.
As Head of Payroll, you will have overall accountability for payroll operations, governance and leadership, ensuring accurate, compliant and timely payroll delivery across a complex workforce.
Key accountabilities:- Providing strategic and operational leadership of the payroll function and team
- Validating payroll data and ensuring full compliance with HMRC and statutory requirements
- Leading payroll governance, risk management and control frameworks
- Supporting and contributing to the SAP SuccessFactors migration programme
- Acting as a key liaison between implementation partners and internal stakeholders
- Managing HMRC obligations, reporting and submissions
- Proven experience leading an in-house payroll function within a large, complex organisation
- Strong people leadership capability, including managing managers or senior payroll specialists
- Deep technical payroll expertise, including HMRC legislation and compliance, statutory reporting and submissions, PAYE Settlement Agreements (PSAs)
- Experience delivering multiple payrolls to strict, non-negotiable deadlines
- A strong governance, risk and control mindset
- Ability to lead through periods of high operational pressure and organisational change
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience with SAP Payroll and/or SuccessFactors Employee Central Payroll
- Public-sector experience, with an understanding of governance, scrutiny and decision-making pace
- Experience delivering weekly payrolls
- Experience supporting payroll transformation or system implementation programmes
How to Apply:
Quote the Job Title and Reference Number in your application. Submit your CV in Word format. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis - early submission is recommended.
If you do not hear from us within three working days, unfortunately your application has not been shortlisted on this occasion. Thank you for your interest in working with us.
Head of Payroll employer: Triumph Consultants Ltd
Contact Detail:
Triumph Consultants Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Payroll
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and HR sectors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical payroll knowledge. Be ready to discuss HMRC compliance and governance frameworks, as these are crucial for the Head of Payroll role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams and led payroll functions in high-pressure environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that role! Make sure to quote the job title and reference number in your application to stand out from the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Payroll
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Payroll role. Highlight your experience in leading payroll functions and managing compliance with HMRC regulations. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a team, it's crucial to showcase your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've led teams through challenges or changes in the past. We love to see strong people leaders!
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 read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Early!: Remember, applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so don’t wait too long to submit yours. The sooner you apply through our website, the better your chances of standing out. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Triumph Consultants Ltd
✨Know Your Payroll Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HMRC legislation and compliance. Be ready to discuss your experience with statutory reporting and PAYE Settlement Agreements, as these are crucial for the Head of Payroll role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your people leadership capabilities. Think about times when you've managed teams or led payroll specialists, especially in high-pressure situations. This will demonstrate your ability to lead effectively.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's structure and how the payroll function fits within the wider Business Services directorate. Being able to articulate this understanding will show that you're not just focused on payroll but also on how it supports the overall mission.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about your experience in managing stakeholders. Have specific examples ready that showcase your communication skills and how you've navigated complex relationships in previous roles.
