Head of Payroll & Pensions

Raynet Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in Greater London is seeking a Head of Payroll & Pensions to lead the payroll and pensions service, ensuring data integrity within their systems. You will be responsible for managing and offering expert advice on payroll and pension matters, with a strong understanding of Local Government regulations and policies necessary. Candidates should have at least 10 years of related experience and relevant qualifications. This role requires working a minimum of 2 days a week in the office, promoting a high-performing environment.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in managing payroll and pensions.
• Demonstrated understanding of statutory Payroll and Pensions Administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead the payroll and pensions service within the Finance Leadership team.
• Ensure integrity of Payroll Oracle Cloud and Altair pension systems.
• Serve as the principal expert on payroll and pension related matters.

Skills

Local government policy understanding

Knowledge of Local Government Accounting regulations

Understanding of payroll and accounting systems

Knowledge of LGPS regulations

Education

Relevant degree or professional payroll or pensions qualification (e.g., MCIPPdip)

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