Transformation jobs in United Kingdom

Payroll Project Specialist

Rate: £148.88 PAYE

Contract Type: Fixed Term - up to 6 months (with potential extension)

Location: Essex (Hybrid Working)

Start Date: Mid-January 2026

Minerva Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of Essex County Council for two Payroll Project Specialists to support a key payroll transformation project on a fixed-term basis.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced payroll professionals who enjoy detailed, project-based work and have a strong understanding of statutory payroll, pensions, and systems testing.

You will play a critical role in delivering enhancements to payroll processes, with a particular focus on absence and pension configurations, Teachers' Pension MCR reporting, and LGPS reporting within the payroll system. The role requires a high level of accuracy, investigative capability, and confidence working with complex payroll data.

• Review, update, and test payroll elements in collaboration with the software provider
• Carry out detailed testing of payroll entry and employee self-service functionality
• Configure and test statutory and occupational absence payments to ensure accuracy and HMRC compliance
• Support improvements to Teachers' Pension reporting, including service, salary, and contribution data
• Assist with the transition to automated LGPS reporting by reviewing, configuring, and testing monthly processes
• Participate in User Acceptance Testing (UAT), providing clear, structured, and detailed feedback

• Extensive experience in payroll with strong attention to detail
• Proven ability to manually calculate PAYE and National Insurance
• Solid knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including statutory absence and payments
• Experience working with Local Government and/or Teachers' Pensions (including assumed pensionable pay and deduction tiers) - highly desirable
• Confidence working in UAT environments and supporting system enhancements
• Experience using Oracle Fusion payroll systems
• A proactive, analytical approach with strong problem-solving skills

• Competitive daily rates
• Hybrid working arrangement
• Opportunity to work on a high-impact payroll improvement project
• Potential contract extension

To apply or for further information, please contact Minerva Recruitment. We welcome applications from experienced payroll professionals seeking a challenging and rewarding project role.