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- Tasks: Lead payroll and pension operations, ensuring accuracy and compliance in payments.
- Company: Join a dynamic finance department at a leading university.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring financial excellence and supporting staff wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and strong understanding of pension regulations required.
- Other info: Supportive environment with a focus on diversity and career growth.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 58000 £ per year.
We are looking for an experienced and proactive Payroll and Pensions Manager to lead our payroll and pension operations, ensuring the accurate and timely delivery of all payments and statutory returns. This role is critical in maintaining confidence, compliance, and operational excellence across the organisation. You will oversee end-to-end payroll, manage our pension schemes, support financial reporting, and act as a trusted advisor to HR, Finance, and senior leadership. This position is ideal for a detail-driven professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and can balance operational delivery with strategic improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the monthly payroll and pensions cycle, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely payments.
- Oversee pension scheme administration, including auto-enrolment, contributions, salary sacrifice and regulatory reporting.
- Act as the subject-matter expert on payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, and pension regulations.
- Maintain and reconcile payroll records, ensuring integrity of data and alignment with the financial ledgers.
- Manage payroll and pension year-end processes, statutory returns, and audit requirements.
- Ensure robust internal controls and support continuous improvement of payroll processes and systems.
- Provide guidance to colleagues, managers, and stakeholders on payroll policies and pension matters.
- Lead and develop the payroll and pension team, promoting a culture of accuracy, service excellence, and accountability.
About You
- Significant experience managing complex payrolls, ideally within a multi-site or medium-to-large organisation.
- Strong technical understanding of PAYE, NI, statutory payments, and pension regulations.
- Experience managing both Defined Benefit and Defined Contribution pension schemes, including LGPS, TPS, USS.
- Excellent attention to detail and ability to interpret and apply legislation.
- Proficient in payroll systems and confident working with HR/Finance software.
- Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships at all levels.
- Leadership experience with the ability to coach, develop, and engage a team.
- A relevant professional payroll qualification (e.g., CIPP) is desirable.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunities for professional development and progression
- Supportive, collaborative working environment
The University of Opportunity for Students and Staff. As part of our commitment to ensure the diversity of our staff body reflects those of the student and local communities we serve, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority heritage, and candidates who are Disabled (including people who may not define themselves as disabled, but nevertheless encounter challenges).
Your Benefits:
- Competitive salaries
- Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University's defined contribution scheme.
- Long Service Recognition – £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 years of service.
Payroll and Pension Manager in Wolverhampton employer: University of Wolverhampton
Contact Detail:
University of Wolverhampton Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll and Pension Manager in Wolverhampton
✨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 and pension regulations. We want to see you confidently discussing your expertise and how you can bring value to their team.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the company and its payroll processes. We recommend preparing some thoughtful questions to ask during the interview. This shows you’re genuinely interested and ready to dive into 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 love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll and Pension Manager in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll and Pension Manager role. Highlight your experience with payroll systems, pension schemes, and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match 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 the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past achievements in payroll management and how you can contribute to our team at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Given the nature of the role, it's crucial to demonstrate your attention to detail. Make sure there are no typos or errors in your application. We appreciate precision and accuracy, so let that shine through in your writing!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining the StudySmarter family!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Wolverhampton
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of payroll legislation, PAYE, NI, and pension regulations. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're the subject-matter expert they need.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led a team in the past. Highlight your experience in coaching and developing others, as this role requires someone who can inspire a culture of accuracy and service excellence.
✨Be Detail-Oriented
Since this role demands a high level of attention to detail, come prepared with specific instances where your meticulous nature has positively impacted payroll or pension processes. This will demonstrate your fit for the position.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about their current payroll systems and any challenges they face. This shows your proactive approach and genuine interest in improving their operations, making you stand out as a candidate.