Head of Payroll Pensions

CRA GROUP RECRUITMENT AND PAYROLL LTD

Job Location:

London - UK

Yearly Salary: £ 79629 - 79629

Experience Required: 5years

Posted on: 4 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Permanent role with a Local Authority

Job Summary:

The Head of Payroll and Pensions is the strategic lead for Lewisham Councils payroll and pensions services covering approximately 3000 Council employees 3000 school employees and 28000 pension members.

The role is responsible for the annual payroll of over 170m and the Lewisham LGPS valued at circa 1.85bn.

This senior leadership position oversees compliance with statutory requirements system integrity and the delivery of high-quality efficient payroll and pension administration.

The postholder also acts as the principal expert advising senior management and stakeholders on payroll and pension matters legislative changes and strategic initiatives.

Key Duties/Accountabilities (Sample):

Lead and manage Lewisham Councils payroll and pensions services ensuring accuracy compliance and efficiency.

Oversee payroll and pensions systems including Oracle Cloud and Altair ensuring integrity updates and control systems.

Provide expert advice on LGPS regulations pensions legislation payroll law and taxation matters.

Develop and manage performance resource allocation and staff within payroll and pensions teams.

Lead on the engagement and management of external LGPS actuaries including triennial valuations and contract management.

Maintain relationships with schools external service providers and other stakeholders; manage SLAs and cost recovery.

Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting including HMRC submissions and pension fund accounts.

Advise the Councils Early Retirement Panel and Executive Director on compensation and pension discretions.

Represent the Council in Pension Fund Officer forums Pension Board Pension Investment Committee tribunals and audits.

Promote best practice equality and professional development within the team.

Skills/Experience:

Extensive senior-level experience managing payroll and pensions functions preferably in local government.

Strong knowledge of LGPS regulations pensions administration payroll law and UK tax legislation.

Expertise in payroll and pension software systems (Oracle Payroll Altair Pension system).

Proven leadership and team development skills; ability to motivate and manage staff effectively.

Strong analytical problem-solving and numeracy skills for complex payroll and pension calculations.

Experience in audit compliance performance improvement and implementing effective control systems.

Excellent communication presentation and influencing skills with stakeholders at all levels.

Ability to act strategically while translating objectives into operational deliverables.

Commitment to equality diversity and inclusive working practices.

Additional Information:

The closing date: 17/12/2025.

Reports to the Executive Director of Finance; part of the Finance Leadership Team.

Manages 2 fully direct reports (Payroll Manager Pensions Manager) and partially oversees additional staff (total team 26).

Requires flexibility for occasional evening meetings and work beyond standard hours.

Must be eligible to work in the UK; DBS disclosure may be required.

Required Skills:

Extensive senior-level experience managing payroll and pensions functions preferably in local government. Strong knowledge of LGPS regulations pensions administration payroll law and UK tax legislation. Expertise in payroll and pension software systems (Oracle Payroll Altair Pension system). Proven leadership and team development skills; ability to motivate and manage staff effectively. Strong analytical problem-solving and numeracy skills for complex payroll and pension calculations. Experience in audit compliance performance improvement and implementing effective control systems. Excellent communication presentation and influencing skills with stakeholders at all levels. Ability to act strategically while translating objectives into operational deliverables. Commitment to equality diversity and inclusive working practices.

Permanent role with a Local Authority Job Summary: The Head of Payroll and Pensions is the strategic lead for Lewisham Councils payroll and pensions services covering approximately 3000 Council employees 3000 school employees and 28000 pension members. The role is responsible for the annual payroll ...