Senior Payroll & Pensions Lead (Hybrid, Education)

EA First Ltd; Lancashire; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working model

Job summary

EA First Ltd in Lancashire is partnering with a large Multi-Academy Trust to recruit a Payroll & Pensions Manager. This senior, hands-on role leads payroll and pensions across a complex education environment, delivering accurate, compliant services to employees and schools.

You will manage a small team, ensure timely payroll processing, lead pension reporting for TPS and LGPS, and drive process improvements while advising stakeholders on complex payroll matters.

Qualifications

• A recognised payroll qualification, such as CIPP, or equivalent.
• Experience of Teachers' Pensions, LGPS and/or payroll within the education sector is essential.
• Experience managing or supervising a payroll team.
• Strong understanding of current payroll legislation and occupational pension requirements.
• Experience with payroll information systems; iTrent advantageous.
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills, with the ability to manage deadlines.
• Confidentiality required in payroll processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead the payroll and pension's function and coach Officers.
• Oversee end-to-end payroll activity including starters, leavers, pay changes, backpay, expenses and statutory/occupational payments.
• Act as the key contact for complex payroll and pension queries from HR, Finance, schools and central employees.
• Manage, develop and document payroll processes and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Ensure payroll calculations and submissions are completed accurately and within deadlines.
• Lead monthly and annual pension reporting across TPS and four LGPS arrangements.
• Manage pension auto-enrolment and LGPS Assumed Pensionable Pay calculations.
• Provide guidance on pension governance, compliance and employer responsibilities.
• Lead payroll and pensions elements of school onboarding and academy conversions.
• Provide specialist advice on education-specific payroll matters.
• Act as contact for HMRC, Teachers' Pensions, LGPS and ONS.
• Prepare P11Ds, PAYE Settlement Agreements, payroll and pensions reporting and statutory returns.
• Work with Finance and HR colleagues and support audits.

Skills

Team leadership

Payroll leadership

Pensions knowledge

Analytical skills

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Stakeholder advisory

Confidentiality

Education

CIPP qualification

Tools

iTrent

Payroll information systems

Job description

EA First Ltd in Lancashire is partnering with a large Multi-Academy Trust to recruit a Payroll & Pensions Manager. This senior, hands-on role leads payroll and pensions across a complex education environment, delivering accurate, compliant services to employees and schools.

You will manage a small team, ensure timely payroll processing, lead pension reporting for TPS and LGPS, and drive process improvements while advising stakeholders on complex payroll matters.