At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead payroll operations and ensure accurate, timely payroll services for our community.
- Company: Join the vibrant London Borough of Waltham Forest, a diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and commitment to employee well-being.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in payroll management while supporting a thriving community.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and a passion for continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 54267 - 57402 £ per year.
Organisation: London Borough of Waltham Forest
Salary: PO6 £54,267 - £57,402 (Cost of living pay award pending)
Contract Type: Full time/Permanent
Working hours per week: 36
Application Deadline: 21/08/2026
Proposed Interview Date(s): Early September
Reference: 2231
About Us: Bursting with culture, energy, and opportunity, the London Borough of Waltham Forest is a fantastic and exciting place to work. We are a highly ambitious borough. Driven by culture and the innate creativity of our residents, we have developed new and innovative ways to build our communities. Our Council is relentlessly resident-focused, insight-led, digitally driven and commercially minded; a Council focused on meeting the needs of our existing and future residents. London Borough of Waltham Forest is one of the Mayor of London's Good Work Standard employers. This accreditation is proof of our commitment to creating a healthy, fair and inclusive workplace.
About the role: We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Payroll Manager to lead our payroll function and ensure the accurate, compliant, and timely delivery of payroll services. This is an exciting opportunity for a payroll professional with strong leadership skills, extensive payroll knowledge, and a passion for continuous improvement. The successful candidate will oversee the end-to-end payroll process, manage a team of payroll professionals, ensure compliance with statutory requirements, and drive enhancements to payroll systems and processes.
Key Responsibilities:
- Overseeing the monthly payroll processing for all payrolls, both existing and any new customers
- End-to-end payroll processing on Oracle Payroll
- HMRC submissions
- Year end - including P60s and P11Ds
- To produce and reconcile reports at the end of each payroll period for stakeholders
- Pension administration including teachers pensions
- Ensure all pension reports are completed and submitted to the providers within the agreed timeframe
- Managing a team including training and staff development
- Leading and supporting payroll projects
- Driving improvement and positive recommendations
- Ensure all statutory reports for all payrolls are generated and submitted with the correct data within agreed deadlines
- Ensure compliance with NMW and London living wage
- Complete ONS surveys as due
- Manage CHAPs payments, back dated payments, including pay awards, deductions & salary sacrifice elements & court orders, overpayments
- Creating and sending BACS files
- Complex payroll queries
- System updates as and when required
- System configuration
Qualifications and Requirements:
- CIPP
- Evidence of continuous professional development
Terms and conditions:
- Satisfactory employment references and CIFAS identity checks
- Satisfactory declaration of interest
- Continued professional body registration
- As a public authority, we must ensure that members of staff in public-facing roles are able to speak fluent English.
Equal Opportunity Employer:
Waltham Forest is a diverse borough where diversity is valued and is integral to both service delivery and employment of its staff. The Council is proud of its rich mix of communities and as the largest employer in the area, it works hard to respond to the changing needs of its population.
We are keen to support employees to balance their working life with other commitments. Therefore, wherever possible, we will consider working arrangements that suit an individual's personal circumstances whilst still meeting the needs of the Council.
If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below or feel free to discuss this during your interview.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or the application process, please contact Caroline McKnight.
Payroll Manager in London employer: Waltham Forest Council
As a leading employer in the social care sector, we offer a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. Our Senior Social Workers benefit from competitive pay, ongoing training opportunities, and a collaborative environment that empowers them to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families within the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
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Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Waltham Forest Council!
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We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Waltham Forest Council. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Waltham Forest Council and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Waltham Forest Council. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Waltham Forest Council's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waltham Forest Council
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Waltham Forest Council.
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Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
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A full-time HR role at Waltham Forest Council will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
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Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Waltham Forest Council and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
