Head of Payroll & Pensions

Job Switch Ltd; Catford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government entity is seeking a strategic lead for its payroll and pensions services in Lewisham. The ideal candidate will oversee payroll operations for approximately 6,000 employees and manage pension administration for 28,000 members. Responsibilities include maintaining data integrity in systems, advising senior management on legislative impacts, and engaging with external actuaries. Applicants should possess substantial experience in local government policy, payroll administration, and a thorough understanding of LGPS regulations.

Qualifications

• Strong grasp of local government policy regarding Payroll and Pensions.
• Experience with electronic payroll and accounting systems.
• Thorough knowledge of audit requirements and local government regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage payroll and pensions services for Lewisham Council.
• Ensure data integrity in payroll and pension systems.
• Provide expert advice on payroll and pension issues to senior management.

Skills

Local government policy understanding

Payroll and pensions administration expertise

Knowledge of LGPS regulations

Experience in a dynamic environment

Job description

Main Purpose of the job :

To be the strategic lead and responsible for Lewisham Councils payroll and pensions services, serving approximately 3,000 Council employees, 3,000 School employees and 28,000 pension members including active, deferred and pensioners. The annual payroll for the Council is over ?170m and the value of the Lewisham LGPS is circa ?1.85bn.

As a member of the Finance Leadership team you will contribute to the overall leadership and management of the Finance function by taking leadership of the payroll and pensions service. Setting the direction, developing and managing an efficient, effective and responsive payroll and pensions administration service. Fostering a skilled, customer‑focused, and high‑performing environment which seeks to innovate and improve.

To ensure the data integrity of the Payroll Oracle Cloud system and the Altair pension system, including the legacy system and archived data required to be accessed and retained under LGPS legislation. To ensure that changes to regulations are reflected in system updates to validate system integrity. Exercise controls to prevent losses of resources and data from fraud or error.

To serve as the principal expert on all payroll and pension related matters, offering advice and support to senior management and stakeholders on payroll and pension issues and identifying the impact and implications of national imperatives and legislation developments.

To be the subject matter expert on the complex legislative framework governing pension administration, including LGPS Regulations 2013, Transitional Regulations 2014, Pensions Acts 2004 and 2011, Public Services Pensions Act 2013 and Data Protection Act 2018.

Be the strategic lead on the engagement and management of the external LGPS Fund Actuaries, including the contract management and re‑procurements as required. To include all necessary work required for the tri‑ennial valuation process.

Lead on the development and management of the Lewisham schools payroll SLA services and the pension administration on behalf of the admitted and scheduled employers within the Lewisham LGPS fund.

Knowledge

Evidence of a strong intellectual grasp of local government policy especially in relation to statutory Payroll and Pensions Administration and accounting

Knowledge of relevant Local Government Accounting regulations and codes of practice

etailed understanding of audit requirements and programmes.

Understanding of implementing and operating electronic payroll and accounting systems

Demonstrates an understanding of current challenges and opportunities in local government

ubstantial experience of working in a dynamic environment within a large public or private sector organisation.

thorough understanding of Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) regulations and administration