Payroll and Systems Team Leader

We are seeking an experienced Payroll & Systems Team Leader to take responsibility for the effective delivery of a monthly payroll service for approximately 500 employees, alongside ad hoc payrolls such as elections.

This is a hands-on leadership role, responsible for overseeing the end-to-end payroll process, supporting and developing the payroll team, and acting as a subject matter expert on payroll legislation, pensions and statutory requirements.

The successful candidate will work closely with HR and Finance to ensure payroll is processed accurately, efficiently and on time, while maintaining full compliance with UK payroll legislation and relevant Local Government requirements.

• Lead, supervise and support the payroll team, ensuring the delivery of an accurate and timely monthly payroll.
• Manage the end-to-end payroll process, from input and validation through to final payroll sign-off and payment.
• Process payroll using an integrated HR and Payroll system, ideally MHR iTrent.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on complex payroll matters, including PAYE, National Insurance, statutory payments, RTI, student loans and LGPS pensions.
• Ensure accurate and timely submission of Full Payment Submissions (FPS) and Employer Payment Summaries (EPS) to HMRC.
• Ensure payroll processes remain compliant with LGPS, Auto Enrolment and all relevant UK legislation.
• Process third-party payments and complete associated payroll reconciliations.
• Carry out monthly reconciliations relating to HMRC, National Insurance and LGPS.
• Prepare and provide accurate monthly payroll reports and analysis for Finance.
• Complete and submit monthly returns to the Essex Pension Fund.
• Ensure BACS payment files are accurately prepared and processed ahead of the monthly pay date.
• Support the processing of ad hoc payrolls, including election-related payments.
• Work collaboratively with HR and Finance to resolve payroll queries and ensure accurate employee records and payments.
• Identify opportunities to improve payroll processes, controls and systems.
• Provide guidance and support to the payroll team, promoting high standards of accuracy, confidentiality and customer service.
• Ensure payroll data is handled securely and in accordance with data protection and confidentiality requirements.

• CIPP qualification or equivalent recognised payroll qualification.
• Proven experience working in a payroll leadership or senior payroll position.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory requirements.
• Practical experience across PAYE, National Insurance, RTI, statutory payments, student loans and pensions.
• Strong understanding of LGPS and payroll-related pension processes.
• Experience managing or supervising a payroll team.
• Excellent attention to detail and a strong focus on payroll accuracy and deadlines.
• Strong reconciliation and analytical skills.
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively to strict payroll deadlines.
• Strong communication skills, with the confidence to provide expert payroll advice to colleagues and stakeholders.

• Previous experience within Local Government or another public-sector environment.
• Knowledge and practical experience of Local Government pay and conditions.
• Previous experience using MHR iTrent or a similar integrated HR and payroll system.
• Experience processing elections or other ad hoc payrolls.
• Experience working with a Local Government Pension Scheme and local pension fund returns.

This opportunity would suit an experienced payroll professional who combines strong technical payroll knowledge with proven team leadership skills. You will be comfortable taking ownership of the full payroll cycle, resolving complex queries and ensuring a high-quality service is delivered consistently and on time.

If you are CIPP qualified, have substantial UK payroll experience and are looking for a role where you can lead a payroll function while remaining involved in the operational detail, we would be keen to hear from you.