Payroll and Systems Team Leader

Harlow Council; Harlow; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Harlow Council is seeking an experienced Payroll & Systems Team Leader to lead the delivery of payroll and HR systems services. The role ensures accurate and timely payroll processing, compliance with legislative requirements, and effective leadership of a small team.

You will oversee the development and administration of the Council's integrated HR and payroll systems, produce payroll reports, and provide expert advice on payroll, pensions and systems to colleagues and managers.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering an end-to-end payroll service.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, and pension administration.
• Experience managing or supervising staff and payroll systems improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Payroll Team to meet payroll deadlines.
• Manage accurate processing of payrolls for employees, pensioners, councillors and election staff.
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, statutory payments and year-end processes.
• Act as the key contact for the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Lead on payroll audit compliance and data accuracy.
• Manage and develop HR and payroll systems, including system improvements and upgrades.
• Produce payroll and workforce reports and provide expert advice on payroll, pensions and systems.

Skills

End-to-end payroll

Payroll legislation

HMRC requirements

Pension administration

Staff management

Payroll systems

Process improvement

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Education

A-Levels / NVQ3 equivalent

CIPP qualification

Job description

Harlow Council is seeking an experienced Payroll & Systems Team Leader to lead the delivery of payroll and HR systems services. The role is responsible for ensuring accurate and timely payroll processing, maintaining compliance with legislative requirements, leading a small team, and overseeing the development and administration of the Council's integrated HR and payroll systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Payroll Team, ensuring payroll deadlines are met.
• Manage the accurate processing of payrolls for employees, pensioners, councillors and election staff.
• Ensure compliance with payroll legislation, HMRC requirements, statutory payments and year-end processes.
• Act as the key contact for the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Lead on payroll audit compliance and data accuracy.
• Manage and develop HR and payroll systems, including system improvements and upgrades.
• Produce payroll and workforce reports and provide expert advice on payroll, pensions and systems.

About You

• Significant experience delivering an end-to-end payroll service.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, HMRC requirements and pension administration.
• Experience managing or supervising staff.
• Experience of payroll systems and process improvement.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills.
• Educated to A-Level, NVQ3 or equivalent, with a CIPP qualification or relevant experience. Knowledge of local government payroll and LGPS is desirable.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to take a leadership role within our HR & Organisational Development team, driving service improvement and ensuring the delivery of a high-quality payroll and systems service. We are committed to supporting professional development and creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.