Overview
Posted 06 May 2025. Location: Glasgow. Job Type: Management Professional & Administrative. Reference: 173573. Expiry: 08 October 2025 at 23:45.
Job Purpose
Accountable for the strategic direction and leadership of the University's Pay and Pensions function, developing and implementing an aligned delivery strategy and building team capability to ensure a Pay and Pensions function that delivers on the key theme of Service Excellence and demonstrates a culture of continuous improvement, in line with the University's strategic objectives and values. This will include the development of payroll arrangements and processes in respect of the University's international staff complement and overseas working arrangements. As a member of the Finance leadership team, play a key role in the development and implementation of Finance strategy and policy.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
* Develop and implement a Pay and Pensions roadmap designed to deliver Service Excellence as the desired outcome.
* Delivery of process improvements across all key activities, delivering tangible improvements.
* Development and management of KPI's and SLAs in respect of all aspects of service delivery in line with customer expectations, including appropriate measurement and reporting processes.
* Systems development and enhancement designed to drive service improvement.
* People development and leadership in line with the Glasgow Professional Behavioural Framework and University values.
* Embedding a continuous process improvement capability and capacity across the team.
* Own, develop and enhance all Pay, Pensions, Travel and Expenses policies and procedures, including mapping and development of all AS IS processes and training materials to the desired levels in line with customer expectations and University strategic objectives.
* Effectively lead the Payroll team to deliver high performance levels across all key activities and be responsible for managing the provision of accurate and timely salary payments to all staff and pensioners, in accordance with payroll legislation and University deadlines, policies and procedures.
* Ensure proper procedures and controls are in place throughout the pay and pension processing cycle to ensure the integrity of payroll data and production of accurate and error-free payroll information; foster a strong partnership with People and OD colleagues and demonstrate positive collaboration in pursuit of the University's objectives.
* Ensure all periodic statutory and non-statutory returns are accurate and completed on time, including payments to HMRC for income tax and National Insurance, and payments to pension agencies, courts and trade unions; develop systems to identify, control and report taxable benefits-in-kind.
* Provide financial information to all levels of University Management to support decision-making and control, and promote good payroll practices through regular meetings with user departments to keep them informed of payroll legislation and procedures and maintain high levels of customer care.
* Manage pay and pensions-related activities in respect of the University year-end process including audit requests and provision of information to internal stakeholders.
* Identify and implement system developments, including a pay and pensions strategic plan covering staff, systems and process development to ensure continued service excellence, including international staffing arrangements.
* Minimise expenditure outside the payroll run cycle while ensuring proper accounting, reconciliation and reflection in the financial ledger.
* Recruit, train, manage, coach and motivate staff to maintain delivery of high-quality service levels and foster a culture of continuous improvement and collaboration.
* Engage with People and OD to ensure clear communication channels and understanding of processes, developments, and integration touchpoints across the end-to-end process.
* Manage University overseas payroll processes to ensure correct payments for overseas staff, compliant deductions, and proper meeting of pay and pension obligations for overseas employments.
Knowledge/Qualifications
* Essential
* A1 Educated to degree level or above.
* A2 Relevant professional qualification / CIPP.
* A3 Up to date and comprehensive knowledge of employment law as it relates to payroll and pensions activity.
* A4 Full understanding of PAYE tax and National Insurance regulations and compliance implications.
* A5 Full understanding of pension scheme rules, regulations and legislation.
* A6 Solid understanding of accounting principles related to pay and pension schemes.
* A7 Solid understanding of DB and DC pension scheme operation.
* A8 Full Windows suite expertise.
* Desirable
* B1 Working knowledge of Agresso / Core Payroll.
* B2 Knowledge of HE Pay and Pensions.
* B3 Knowledge of Continuous Improvement techniques.
Skills
* C1 Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
* C2 Strong leadership, coaching and mentoring skills.
* C3 Excellent verbal and written communication with effective listening and empathy.
* C4 Ability to build and maintain relationships with University staff, managers and stakeholders at all levels.
* C5 Strong influencing, interpersonal skills, professional authority and credibility.
* C6 Well organized with ability to balance competing priorities.
* C7 Considered approach to risk management.
* C8 High levels of motivation and resilience.
* C9 Maintains professionalism at all times.
Experience
* E1 Extensive payroll leadership and management experience in a medium to large organisation (~10,000 FTE).
* E2 Experience of delivering change within a pay and pensions environment.
* E3 Evidence of strategic development of a pay and pensions function.
* E4 Track record of influencing senior leaders and building strong partnerships.
* E5 Successful management of a high-performance Pay and Pensions team.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 9, £59,966 - £67,468 per annum. A supplement may be offered in exceptional circumstances at the University's discretion based on outstanding achievement and anticipated contribution.
This post is full-time (35 hours per week) and open-ended (permanent). Relocation assistance may be provided where appropriate.
Equality, diversity and inclusion are core to the University values. Applications are welcome from across communities, including groups under-represented within the University; the University endorses Athena Swan principles.
Closing date: 23:45 on Friday 29th August 2025.
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