Senior Payroll & Systems Lead – Local Government

Harlow Council; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Harlow Council is seeking an experienced Payroll & Systems Team Leader to lead the delivery of payroll and HR systems services from its Chelmsford area office. You will ensure accurate and timely payroll processing while maintaining compliance with legislative requirements.

You will lead a small payroll team, manage payrolls for staff, pensioners, councillors and election staff, and drive system improvements across HR/payroll platforms.

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.
• Experience of payroll systems and process improvement.
• Educated to A-Level, NVQ3 or equivalent, with a CIPP qualification or relevant experience.

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.

Skills

Payroll legislation

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Communication skills

HMRC requirements

Pension administration

Education

A-Levels / NVQ3

CIPP qualification

Tools

Payroll systems

Job description

Harlow Council is seeking an experienced Payroll & Systems Team Leader to lead the delivery of payroll and HR systems services from its Chelmsford area office. You will ensure accurate and timely payroll processing while maintaining compliance with legislative requirements.

You will lead a small payroll team, manage payrolls for staff, pensioners, councillors and election staff, and drive system improvements across HR/payroll platforms.