Payroll Subject Matter Expert (SME) - Central Government

Spinwell Global; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consultancy firm in the UK is seeking a Payroll Subject Matter Expert (SME) to lead Oracle Cloud Payroll implementation within the public sector. This role involves hands-on configuration, stakeholder communication, and product prioritization. The ideal candidate will have at least 4 years of experience in Oracle Payroll and a strong grasp of UK payroll compliance. This is a permanent position with a hybrid working model, requiring 3 days on-site each week in London.

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years of experience with Oracle Cloud Payroll.
• Strong knowledge of UK payroll processing and compliance.
• Experience in payroll testing and change management.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary subject matter expert for Oracle Cloud Payroll.
• Lead functional engagement with stakeholders to assess business requirements.
• Define and prioritize payroll product features.

Skills

Oracle Cloud Payroll configuration

Data analysis

Stakeholder communication

Payroll systems testing

Change management

SaaS-based ERP understanding

Payroll compliance knowledge

Education

Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or Information Systems

Tools

Oracle Cloud HCM

Analytics Cloud

Job description

Payroll Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Permanent, Hybrid/London – 3 days per week on site mainly in Kilburn. £57,965 per annum – London Allowance brings total to £60,893 per annum.

Spinwell is recruiting for a Payroll Subject Matter Expert (SME) for an excellent opportunity within the public sector.

Responsibilities of the Payroll Subject Matter Expert (SME)

• Act as the primary subject matter expert for Oracle Cloud Payroll, providing hands‑on configuration expertise and end‑to‑end support across the payroll lifecycle.
• Be the main point of contact for stakeholders, ensuring clear communication and alignment on payroll‑related product vision, progress, and priorities.
• Lead functional engagement with other SMEs and stakeholders to assess business requirements against current payroll capabilities, ensuring prioritisation aligns with resources and business goals.
• Collaborate with peers across the Met to ensure alignment with adjacent modules and services (e.g., Core HR, Recruitment, Finance, EPM modules).
• Independently configure Oracle Cloud Payroll and related modules, with a strong working knowledge of Fast Formulas, elements, balances, and costing.
• Support operational teams with testing, change management, and training during payroll enhancements or releases.
• Define and prioritise payroll product features, driving value‑based decision‑making through negotiation and stakeholder collaboration.
• Analyse payroll data, audit findings, and employee feedback to identify pain points and opportunities for compliance and efficiency improvements.
• Use evidence and metrics (e.g., processing time, error rates, usage trends) to drive enhancements that matter most to payroll operations.
• Maintain a strong understanding of Oracle Cloud HCM architecture, particularly the payroll ecosystem and integrations.
• Work closely with technical and development teams (internal and external) to ensure successful design, build, and deployment of all payroll functionality.
• Create and present solution proposals or recommendations to leadership, including cost‑benefit analyses and impact assessments.
• Drive continuous improvement in payroll processes and systems that support New Met for London priorities.

Skills / Experience of the Payroll Subject Matter Expert (SME)

• Minimum 4 years of hands‑on experience with Oracle Cloud Payroll, including configuration, testing and issue resolution.
• Proven ability to configure Oracle Cloud Payroll independently, including complex payroll rules, costing, elements, balance adjustments and statutory calculations.
• Strong understanding of payroll‑adjacent Oracle modules such as:
  • Oracle Absence Management
  • Fast Formulas and Payroll Integrations
  • Reporting Requirements using Oracle’s Analytics Cloud capabilities
• Experience as a product specialist, functional lead or SME within internal HR/Payroll systems.
• Understanding of SaaS‑based ERP and EPM modules and modern payroll operating models.
• Familiarity with product strategy, backlog management and feature prioritisation.
• Experience creating or contributing to technology roadmaps for payroll or HR systems.
• Educated to a high level, with strong professional knowledge of Oracle Cloud Payroll.
• In‑depth understanding of core UK payroll processing, statutory calculations and compliance requirements.
• Practical knowledge of core HR and payroll functions, including integrations with Absence and Recruiting Cloud modules.
• Working knowledge of Fast Formulas and the Oracle configuration tools used in payroll.
• Strong understanding of payroll testing, parallel runs, year‑end processes and change management.
• Knowledge of the Oracle HCM product lifecycle and quarterly release management.
• Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Information Systems or equivalent experience.

If you are a Payroll Subject Matter Expert (SME), apply now or send your CV to Spinwell!

We welcome all applications regardless of background, in line with our commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion.

Applying to this or any other vacancy advertised by Spinwell Ltd constitutes an agreement for Spinwell Ltd to hold your details for 24 months for the purpose of assessing suitability for the advertised position and to make you aware of any other positions deemed suitable which you will be made aware of by means of email, text or phone. In line with GDPR regulations you are able to request your details be removed from the company data at any time by emailing us.