Head of Payroll & Pensions

Raynet Recruitment; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 67,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Head of Payroll & Pensions in London. The successful candidate will manage the payroll and pensions service, ensuring data integrity and compliance with legislative requirements. This role demands at least 10 years of experience in payroll management and expertise in LGPS regulations. Strong leadership skills and a thorough understanding of local government policies are essential. The position requires a minimum of 2 days per week in the office.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience managing payroll and pensions.
• Expertise in complex legislative framework governing pension administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the payroll and pensions service and ensure data integrity.
• Offer expert advice on payroll and pension issues to stakeholders.
• Manage relationship with LGPS Fund Actuaries, including contract management.

Skills

Understanding of current challenges in local government

Knowledge of Local Government Accounting regulations

Understanding of implementing electronic payroll systems

Evidence of intellectual grasp of local government policy

Detailed understanding of audit requirements

Thorough understanding of LGPS regulations

Education

Relevant degree or professional payroll or pensions qualification

Job description

Head of Payroll & Pensions

Education

A relevant degree or professional payroll or pensions qualification (e.g., MCIPPdip) or equivalent qualifying experience or at least 10 years of experience in managing payroll and pensions

Sector Experience

Local Authority Only

Salary

79,629.00

Start

02/03/2026

Location

SE6 4RU

Hybride

Minimum of 2 days a week in the office

Main Purpose of the job

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.

Essential Experience

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