Payroll Manager

Are you a payroll expert who thrives in complexity, leads with confidence and understands the risk, scale and precision required to run a large public sector payroll function?

We are seeking an exceptional Payroll Manager to lead a high‑performing payroll service within a forward‑thinking Council, responsible for processing over 6,500 salaries and 8,000 pension payments each month. This is a senior leadership role within Finance, where technical expertise, commercial awareness and strategic thinking are equally important.

This is not a transactional payroll role. This is about ownership, accountability and influence.

The Opportunity

As Payroll Manager, you will be the Council's subject matter expert — the person senior leaders turn to for assurance, clarity and confidence.

You will take full responsibility for the integrity, efficiency and compliance of the payroll function, ensuring that payments are accurate, legislation is correctly interpreted and the Council is protected from financial penalties and reputational risk.

• Interpreting complex HMRC legislation and statutory regulations
• Ensuring all payroll returns are processed accurately and on time
• Overseeing over‑payment recovery and financial controls
• Leading internal and external audits
• Preparing complex casework and tribunal documentation where required
• Leading contractual negotiations for payroll services to secure value for money
• Overseeing the implementation of new services and payroll technology
• Developing and reviewing payroll systems, policies and contingency plans

You will also contribute strategically — producing high‑quality reports for senior leadership, supporting savings programmes and helping shape the future direction of payroll within the Council.

Leadership & Impact

You will lead and develop a skilled payroll team, directly managing:

• Payroll Team Leader
• Payroll Technical Lead

You will create a culture of accountability, professionalism and continuous improvement — setting high standards, developing talent and ensuring performance is consistently strong.

You will deputise for the Head of Service where required and represent payroll at senior and strategic forums.

About You

You are an experienced payroll leader who combines technical depth with strategic awareness.

You bring:

• In‑depth knowledge of HMRC legislation, PAYE, tax, NI and pensions regulations
• Strong understanding of Local Government Terms and Conditions (NJC, Teachers, Soulbury and local agreements)
• Expertise in financial management, reconciliation and budget oversight
• Experience managing audits and complex compliance frameworks
• Strong knowledge of GDPR, data protection and financial regulations
• Proven experience leading and developing teams
• Experience delivering efficiencies and managing service budgets
• Confidence in influencing senior stakeholders and managing complex relationships

You may hold a relevant degree or professional payroll qualification, or have significant experience managing a large payroll function.

Why Join This Council?

This Council is committed to delivering high‑quality public services while creating a professional, supportive and forward‑looking working environment.

• A senior leadership role with real strategic visibility
• The opportunity to shape payroll systems and controls at scale
• Meaningful impact across the organisation
• Competitive salary at PO8
• Long‑term stability and career development within local government

If you are ready to take full ownership of a complex, high‑volume payroll service — and want to lead with confidence in an organisation where your expertise will truly matter — we would welcome your application.

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