Harmonic Finance™ | Certified B Corp
Interim Payroll Manager | Educational Institution
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Interim Payroll Manager | Educational Institution
Interim Payroll Manager | Educational Institution | South London (Hybrid)
Harmonic are delighted to be partnering exclusively with an established Educational Institution in South London on the search for an Interim Payroll Manager to provide urgent cover across a complex, multi-payroll environment.
This is an immediate requirement. The business needs someone who can walk in, get up to speed quickly, and take ownership of end-to-end payroll delivery from day one. There is no lengthy onboarding period, and the first BACS pay run falls within weeks of the start date.
This role will suit a hands-on, experienced payroll professional who is:
- Comfortable managing multiple payrolls and pension schemes simultaneously.
- Capable of leading a small team with little hand-holding.
The Role
Reporting into senior Finance and HR leadership, you will:
- Take day-to-day ownership of payroll across:
- Staff (main monthly payroll, circa 1,000 employees).
- Smaller variable/hourly paid populations.
- Manage multiple public sector pension schemes and all associated HMRC reporting obligations.
- Collaborate closely with Finance colleagues for monthly payroll balancing.
- Line manage two Payroll and Pensions Officers.
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The payroll system in use is iTrent. Strong iTrent experience is preferred, though candidates switching from SAP to iTrent will be considered.
Key Responsibilities
- Own end-to-end payroll delivery across multiple payrolls, including:
- A main monthly payroll (~1,000 staff).
- Variable/hourly paid populations.
- Manage all associated pension scheme obligations, including multiple public sector and private schemes.
- Ensure timely and accurate HMRC reporting (RTI, PAYE, and NI deductions).
- Complete monthly payroll balancing in conjunction with Finance.
- Line-manage and support two Payroll and Pensions Officers.
- Work collaboratively with HR and Finance for smooth payroll operations.
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience managing complex, multi-payroll environments.
- Strong knowledge of pension scheme administration, including multiple schemes.
- iTrent experience is preferred; switching from SAP to iTrent considered.
- Ability to "hit the ground running" in a time-sensitive, urgent setting.
- Strong communication skills.
- Confidence with upwards and cross-team management.
- Immediately available (or able to start short notice).
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Advantageous
- Experience in public sector or other complex payroll environments.
- Familiarity with public sector pension schemes (especially defined benefit schemes).
- Prior experience in educational, healthcare, or local government payroll environments.
Compensation & Contract
- Day Rate: £400–550 per day (flexibility for standout candidates; likely inside IR35).
- Contract Length: 6 months (2-week client-side notice period).
- Location: South London
- Hybrid working supported with an early expectation of office-based work.
- Start Date: Tuesday 7th July 2025 (must be available to start next week).
Next Steps
If interested, please send your CV to ed.naish@harmonicfinance.com.
At Harmonic, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, ensuring fair and thoughtful consideration for all candidates, regardless of background, race, religion, gender, disability, or sexual orientation.
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