Head of Payroll & Pensions - Interims

Job Category: Interims

Job location: 1 Catford Road, Catford, London, Greater London, SE6 4RU
United Kingdom
Lewisham Council
Hours per week: 37

Start date: Immediate start
Salary: £79,629.00

We are recruiting for the position of Head of Payroll and Pensions. Please ensure that candidates meet the following essential criteria: Demonstrable expertise in managing payroll and pension functions within a local government setting. Proven ability to lead and develop a team, ensuring compliance with statutory and organisational requirements. Strong understanding of payroll systems, pension schemes, particularly LGPS, and all relevant UK legislation.

Main Purpose of the job:

To be the strategic lead and responsible for Lewisham Councils payroll and pensions services, serving approximately 3,000 Council employees, 3,000 School employees and 28,000 pension members including active, deferred and pensioners. The annual payroll for the Council is over �170m and the value of the Lewisham LGPS is circa �1.85bn.

As a member of the Finance Leadership team you will contribute to the overall leadership and management of the Finance function by taking leadership of the payroll and pensions service. Setting the direction, developing and managing an efficient, effective and responsive payroll and pensions administration service. Fostering a skilled, customer-focused, and high-performing environment which seeks to innovate and improve.

To ensure the data integrity of the Payroll Oracle Cloud system and the Altair pension system, including the legacy system and archived data required to be accessed and retained under LGPS legislation. To ensure that changes to regulations are reflected in system updates to validate system integrity. Exercise controls to prevent losses of resources and data from fraud or error.

To serve as the principal expert on all payroll and pension related matters, offering advice and support to senior management and stakeholders on payroll and pension issues and identifying the impact and implications of national imperatives and legislation developments.

Summary of Accountabilities and Personal Duties

1. Develop and manage a full suite of payroll and pensions processes that ensure compliance with relevant policies and regulatory requirements whilst still prioritising the customer experience. Lead and develop a strong working relationship the Council�s Employee Services team, ensuring that there is a streamlined approach to the development of HR and payroll processes.

1. Ensure best use of payroll and pension administration resources through defining priorities and securing appropriate resources to achieve the Council�s objectives. Lead, manage and develop the payroll and pensions administration teams to ensure efficient and effective performance, customer service and delivery, taking proactive and remedial action when necessary.

1. Be responsible for the operation, management and development of the: payroll and pensions modules of the Council�s ERP system; the Altair pensions system; and the legacy and archive systems by ensuring a constant review of skills, new developments, upgrades and technology to facilitate the accurate and efficient payment of salaries wages and pensions.

1. Be responsible for the implementation of systems of control over payments or amendments to system data to minimise losses from error or fraud and to be accountable for meeting all statutory or scheme deadlines, to avoid prosecution and fines, including on behalf of external clients.

Knowledge

Evidence of a strong intellectual grasp of local government policy especially in relation to statutory Payroll and Pensions Administration and accounting S

Knowledge of relevant Local Government Accounting regulations and codes of practice S

Detailed understanding of audit requirements and programmes. S

Understanding of implementing and operating electronic payroll and accounting systems

Demonstrates an understanding of current challenges and opportunities in local government

S

Substantial experience of working in a dynamic environment within a large public or private sector organisation. S

A thorough understanding of Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) regulations and administration

Aptitude

Excellent numeracy skills with experience in complex payroll and pension calculations.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to resolve complex payroll and pension issues.

Able to prioritise, and provide clear guidance including the establishment and maintenance of a performance management culture

Skills

Strong leadership, management, and motivational skills with experience in developing teams.

Proven experience in interpreting and implementing payroll and pension legislation.

Ability to develop and deliver presentation materials clearly and concisely to a range of audiences

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills with the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels.

Ability to act and think strategically, translating this into deliverables.

Ability to reconcile corporate and strategic objectives

Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.

Experience

Significant experience in payroll and pension administration roles

S

Extensive experience at a senior level managing payroll and pensions functions within a complex organisation, preferably within the public sector or local government. S

Evidence of having developed and delivered effective performance measures and performance improvement programme in the delivery of services S

Experience of working with payroll and pension software systems (e.g. Oracle Payroll ,Altair Pension system ), including system implementation and enhancements. S

General Education

A relevant degree or professional payroll or pensions qualification (e.g., MCIPPdip) or equivalent qualifying experience or at least 10 years of experience in managing payroll and pensions

Equality & Diversity

Awareness of and a commitment to Equality of Access and Opportunity in a diverse community

Understanding of how equality and diversity relates to this post

Ability to demonstrate commitment to the principles of equality in employment and service delivery

Personal Qualities

Strong leadership, management, and motivational skills with experience in developing teams.

Must be financially fluent, cost and contribution conscious with a focus on value for money

Energetic, determined, robust and resilient enough to cope with the demands of the role.

Able to establish positive working relationships with partners and colleagues across different disciplines.

High standards of integrity

Commitment to learn � desire to acquire new knowledge, skills and approaches.

Circumstances

Able to attend meetings in the evenings; to work outside normal office hours; and to work beyond minimum hours as and when required to achieve deadlines.