Payroll Manager

AgileGrid Solutions; Epping Forest; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Work-life balance

Diversity & inclusion

Job summary

Belmont Recruitment is seeking a Payroll Manager to join Waltham Forest Council on a permanent basis. The role leads payroll and pension services for ~2,600 staff within Culture Workforce & Development, driving accuracy, compliance and improvement.

The ideal candidate holds a CIPP qualification or equivalent end-to-end payroll leadership experience, with strong Oracle Payroll knowledge and familiarity with Local Government and Teachers' Pension schemes.

Qualifications

• CIPP qualification or extensive end-to-end payroll management experience in a large organisation.
• Strong knowledge of payroll legislation, taxation and pensions.
• Experience leading payroll teams and coaching staff.
• Hands-on with Oracle Payroll or similar payroll systems; knowledge of Local Government and Teachers' Pension schemes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing payroll team with a focus on accountability and continuous improvement.
• Ensure monthly payroll processing is accurate, timely and compliant for all employees.
• Act as senior escalation point for complex payroll and pension enquiries.
• Drive service excellence through performance management and staff development.
• Oversee end-to-end payroll processing using Oracle Payroll with data accuracy and system integrity.
• Manage HMRC submissions, statutory reporting and compliance requirements.
• Lead year-end activities including P60s and P11Ds.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Analytical

Communication

Project management

Education

CIPP qualification

Tools

Oracle Payroll

Job description

About The Company

Belmont Recruitment is a leading recruitment agency specializing in providing high-quality staffing solutions across various sectors, including public sector, healthcare, education, and local government. With a strong reputation for professionalism and integrity, Belmont Recruitment is committed to connecting talented professionals with organizations that value excellence and innovation. Our extensive network and deep industry knowledge enable us to deliver tailored recruitment services that meet the unique needs of our clients and candidates alike. We pride ourselves on fostering long-term relationships built on trust, transparency, and mutual success, ensuring both our clients and candidates achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.

About The Company

Belmont Recruitment is a leading recruitment agency specializing in providing high-quality staffing solutions across various sectors, including public sector, healthcare, education, and local government. With a strong reputation for professionalism and integrity, Belmont Recruitment is committed to connecting talented professionals with organizations that value excellence and innovation. Our extensive network and deep industry knowledge enable us to deliver tailored recruitment services that meet the unique needs of our clients and candidates alike. We pride ourselves on fostering long-term relationships built on trust, transparency, and mutual success, ensuring both our clients and candidates achieve their goals efficiently and effectively.

About The Role

We are currently recruiting for a Payroll Manager to join Waltham Forest Council on a permanent basis. This pivotal operational leadership role is situated within the Culture Workforce & Development department. The successful candidate will take ownership of the council’s payroll and pension services, overseeing the accurate, timely, and compliant delivery of payroll for approximately 2,600 employees. This role demands a strategic thinker with strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and a proactive approach to process improvement. The Payroll Manager will lead a dedicated team, ensuring high standards of service delivery while managing complex payroll and pension schemes, including Local Government and Teachers' Pension schemes. The position offers an excellent opportunity to influence payroll operations within a dynamic local authority environment, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess a CIPP qualification or extensive experience managing an end-to-end payroll function within a large and complex organization. A comprehensive understanding of payroll legislation, taxation, pensions, and statutory reporting requirements is essential. Proven experience in leading, coaching, and developing payroll teams is required to ensure high performance and staff engagement. Hands‑on experience with Oracle Payroll or similar enterprise payroll systems is necessary, along with a solid knowledge of Local Government and Teachers' Pension schemes. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities under tight deadlines are crucial for success in this role. Candidates should also demonstrate excellent communication skills and a proactive approach to problem-solving and process improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing payroll team, fostering a culture of accountability, customer focus, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure the accurate, timely, and compliant processing of monthly payroll services for all employees.
• Act as the senior escalation point for complex payroll and pension enquiries, providing expert guidance and resolution.
• Drive service excellence through effective performance management, quality assurance, and staff development.
• Oversee end‑to‑end payroll processing using Oracle Payroll, ensuring data accuracy and system integrity.
• Manage HMRC submissions, statutory reporting, and compliance with all relevant regulations.
• Lead year‑end activities, including the preparation of P60s, P11Ds, and associated compliance processes.
• Administer Local Government and Teachers' Pension schemes accurately and efficiently.
• Handle BACS payments, payroll reconciliations, deductions, salary sacrifice arrangements, overpayments, and court orders.
• Ensure compliance with legislative requirements such as the National Minimum Wage and Living Wage standards.
• Identify and implement payroll process improvements, reviewing controls and procedures to enhance efficiency and accuracy.

Benefits

Waltham Forest Council offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the well-being and professional development of its employees. Employees benefit from a supportive work environment that promotes work-life balance, continuous learning, and development initiatives. The organization values diversity and inclusion, fostering a workplace where all staff can thrive and contribute meaningfully to community development and service excellence.

Equal Opportunity

Waltham Forest Council is an equal opportunity employer committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, or sexual orientation. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to serve our community effectively and fosters an environment of mutual respect and understanding. We are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities and ensuring that all candidates are treated fairly throughout the recruitment process.