3 months contract with a Local Authority Job Summary: • You will be part of a diverse payroll team responsible for the accurate and timely delivery of payroll services to approximately 6,320 internal staff (school and corporate) and 200 external school employees. • Working closely with internal departments, external partners, and software providers (notably Oracle), your role will be to ensure payroll operations are compliant with legislation, streamlined, and customer focused. • You will supervise and develop payroll staff, lead on complex payroll matters, and support the delivery of a modern, digital, value-adding payroll service that aligns with the Council’s corporate and service strategies. Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample): • Oversee the day-to-day delivery of payroll services, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and compliance with statutory requirements and internal policies. • Supervise, support, and develop a team of payroll officers, promoting continuous improvement and performance management. • Provide expert advice on PAYE, National Insurance, pensions (LGPS, TP, NHSPS), statutory payments, and employment legislation. • Work in partnership with HR and finance teams to ensure a cohesive service and lead on system improvements including digitisation and automation. • Represent the Council in external engagements with HMRC, auditors, actuaries, and in legal or regulatory proceedings where necessary. • Deputise for the Payroll Manager in their absence, ensuring service continuity. • Support the development of a Payroll Digital Strategy to enhance service delivery using modern IT tools. • Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion across the team and in service delivery. Skills/Experience: • Strong knowledge of payroll legislation including PAYE, NI, auto-enrolment and pension schemes (LGPS, TP, NHSPS). • Demonstrable experience of using payroll systems (preferably Oracle) within a complex, public-sector environment. • Proven ability to manage and lead teams, resolve complex payroll issues, and drive service improvement. • Experience working to tight deadlines and under pressure, with a focus on customer service. • Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with a range of stakeholders, both internal and external. • Experience of contributing to policy development and interpreting legislative change in relation to payroll. • Ability to analyse and produce payroll-related KPIs and financial data for senior management. Additional Information: • The closing date: 09/05/2025 @09:00. • Hybrid – 2 days/week from the office. • A relevant payroll qualification or significant experience within a payroll function is essential.