Payroll Manager

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Payroll Manager to lead the payroll function for a busy London Local Authority. This is an excellent opportunity to manage a high-performing payroll team and ensure the accurate and timely delivery of payroll services to a diverse workforce.

You will oversee all aspects of payroll operations, ensuring compliance with legislation, HMRC regulations, pension schemes, and internal policies whilst driving continuous improvement across payroll processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end payroll function for employees across the Authority.
• Lead, develop and support the payroll team to ensure a high-quality service is delivered.
• Provide effective line management, leadership and development of the Payroll team, including regular 1-1s, appraisals and performance management.
• Manage team workloads and resources to ensure payroll deadlines, statutory requirements and service standards are consistently achieved.
• Coach, mentor and support team members, identifying training needs and promoting continuous professional development.
• Lead on recruitment, induction and employee relations matters, fostering a positive, high-performing and customer-focused team culture.
• Ensure payrolls are processed accurately and on time, including monthly salaries, expenses, overtime, allowances and deductions.
• Oversee statutory payments and deductions including SSP, SMP, SPP, student loans, attachment of earnings orders and pension contributions.
• Ensure compliance with HMRC regulations, payroll legislation, National Insurance, PAYE and workplace pension requirements.
• Manage pension administration processes, including LGPS contributions and reporting requirements.
• Reconcile payroll control accounts and oversee payroll-related financial reporting.
• Act as the key point of contact for payroll audits, internal stakeholders and external agencies.
• Maintain and develop payroll systems, processes and controls to improve efficiency and service delivery.
• Provide expert advice and guidance to managers and employees on payroll-related matters.
• Support payroll projects, system upgrades, implementations and legislative changes.
• Produce payroll reports, KPIs and management information for senior leadership.