Payroll Team Lead

Burman Recruitment; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organisation in the higher education sector is seeking a Payroll & Pensions Lead in Leeds, offering a hybrid working model. This permanent position focuses on accurate payroll processing and pension administration, ensuring compliance with PAYE and HMRC regulations. Ideal candidates will have a recognised payroll qualification, strong IT skills, and experience in payroll functions, along with the ability to manage confidential data and provide expert guidance to stakeholders. The role promises a supportive team environment with opportunities for continued learning.

Benefits

Supportive team environment

Flexible hybrid working

Opportunities for continued learning and development

Qualifications

• Experience in processing payroll and managing reconciliations.
• Knowledge of PAYE, auto-enrolment, and public sector pensions.
• Ability to manage confidential data and provide guidance to stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Processing monthly payroll and ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Administering pension schemes and managing deductions.
• Acting as a first point of contact for payroll-related queries.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical ability

Communication skills

IT skills

Education

Recognised payroll qualification or equivalent experience

Minimum GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths

Tools

Excel

iTrent payroll system

Job description

Payroll & Pensions Lead

32,000– 38,000

Hybrid

Permanent

I'm currently supporting a leading organisation in the higher education sector in the recruitment of a Payroll & Pensions Lead. This is a permanent, full–time opportunity offering a hybrid working model and the chance to join a collaborative team with a strong focus on accuracy, compliance, and service delivery.

The Role

This position plays a central role in the delivery of accurate and timely payroll processing and pension scheme administration. The successful candidate will ensure compliance with current PAYE and HMRC regulations, support payroll reconciliations, and provide expert guidance on payroll and pension–related matters across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Processing monthly payroll in line with PAYE regulations and relevant employment legislation
• Carrying out payroll reconciliations and providing accurate data for financial reporting
• Managing payroll inputs and outputs, resolving discrepancies in advance of payroll deadlines
• Overseeing non–standard payments and ensuring appropriate processing routes
• Administering statutory deductions such as earnings orders
• Preparing and submitting accurate FPS and EPS returns to HMRC within deadlines
• Supporting the administration of a range of pension schemes, including auto–enrolment and monthly returns
• Acting as a first point of contact for complex queries from employees and managers
• Assisting with software testing following system updates
• Delivering payroll and pension–related training where required
• Ensuring compliance with GDPR, HMRC requirements, and internal audit standards

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• A recognised payroll qualification or equivalent experience
• A good standard of education (minimum GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths)
• Strong IT skills, including Excel and payroll systems (experience with iTrent is advantageous)
• Solid experience in a payroll function, including reconciliation and reporting
• A working knowledge of auto–enrolment, PAYE, IR35, and public sector pensions
• Excellent attention to detail, analytical ability, and the ability to manage confidential data with discretion
• Strong communication skills and the ability to provide clear advice and guidance to a range of stakeholders

What's Offered:

• A supportive and values–driven team environment
• Flexible hybrid working
• Opportunities for continued learning and development

To express interest or find out more, please get in touch directly or submit your CV with a brief summary outlining your relevant experience.