Head of Payroll Pensions

CRA Group Limited; Lewisham; On-site; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

A government council in England is seeking a Head of Payroll and Pensions to oversee payroll for 6,000 employees and pension services for 28,000 members. This strategic leadership role requires extensive experience in payroll and pensions, particularly in local government. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of LGPS regulations, leadership skills, and expertise in payroll systems like Oracle and Altair. Flexible work hours are required to accommodate evening meetings.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior-level experience managing payroll and pensions functions, preferably in local government.
• Strong knowledge of UK tax legislation, payroll law, and pensions administration.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead payroll and pensions services, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
• Advise on payroll and pensions matters to senior management.
• Oversee integrity and updates of payroll systems like Oracle Cloud and Altair.

Skills

Leading payroll and pensions services

Knowledge of LGPS regulations

Payroll and pension software expertise

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Leadership and team management

Communication and presentation skills

Tools

Oracle Payroll

Altair Pension system

Job description

Responsibilities

• The Head of Payroll and Pensions is the strategic lead for Lewisham Council's payroll and pensions services, covering approximately 3,000 Council employees, 3,000 school employees, and 28,000 pension members.
• The role is responsible for the annual payroll of over £170m and the Lewisham LGPS valued at circa £1.85bn.
• This senior leadership position oversees compliance with statutory requirements, system integrity, and the delivery of high-quality, efficient payroll and pension administration.
• The postholder also acts as the principal expert, advising senior management and stakeholders on payroll and pension matters, legislative changes, and strategic initiatives.
• Lead and manage Lewisham Council's payroll and pensions services, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
• Oversee payroll and pensions systems, including Oracle Cloud and Altair, ensuring integrity, updates, and control systems.
• Provide expert advice on LGPS regulations, pensions legislation, payroll law, and taxation matters.
• Develop and manage performance, resource allocation, and staff within payroll and pensions teams.
• Lead on the engagement and management of external LGPS actuaries, including triennial valuations and contract management.
• Maintain relationships with schools, external service providers, and other stakeholders; manage SLAs and cost recovery.
• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting, including HMRC submissions and pension fund accounts.
• Advise the Council's Early Retirement Panel and Executive Director on compensation and pension discretions.
• Represent the Council in Pension Fund Officer forums, Pension Board, Pension Investment Committee, tribunals, and audits.
• Promote best practice, equality, and professional development within the team.
• Reports to the Executive Director of Finance; part of the Finance Leadership Team.
• Manages 2 fully direct reports (Payroll Manager, Pensions Manager) and partially oversees additional staff (total team 26).
• Requires flexibility for occasional evening meetings and work beyond standard hours.

Qualifications

• Must be eligible to work in the UK; DBS disclosure may be required.
• Extensive senior-level experience managing payroll and pensions functions, preferably in local government.
• Strong knowledge of LGPS regulations, pensions administration, payroll law, and UK tax legislation.
• Expertise in payroll and pension software systems (Oracle Payroll, Altair Pension system).
• Proven leadership and team development skills; ability to motivate and manage staff effectively.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and numeracy skills for complex payroll and pension calculations.
• Experience in audit compliance, performance improvement, and implementing effective control systems.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and influencing skills with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to act strategically while translating objectives into operational deliverables.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive working practices.