Job Description

Strategic Leadership & Compliance

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Manager to lead our payroll team

during a period of maternity leave. This is an opportunity to lead and manage our in

house payroll function for our Trust and its 20 schools. Working in the Education

Sector is highly rewarding, we are looking for a Payroll Manager who understands

the needs of our schools and pupils and is committed to delivering an efficient

customer focused payroll service. You will lead a dedicated payroll team, working

closely with our Finance and Central HR teams to deliver a seamless, professional

service that supports our staff and upholds our high standards.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Compliance

Ensure the accurate and timely delivery of payroll in line with Trust policies, HMRC regulations, and statutory requirements. Provide expert guidance on pay, tax, national insurance, pensions, statutory entitlements, and voluntary deductions. Interpret and apply relevant legislation, advising senior leadership on implications and ensuring full compliance. Produce and submit all statutory returns, including HMRC submissions, Local Government and Teachers' Pension Scheme reports, and the annual Gender Pay Gap report.

Team Management & Development

Lead and support the Payroll Lead through effective line management, regular 1:1s, performance feedback, and professional development. Oversee the quality and accuracy of payroll processing, ensuring reconciliations are completed and payments are remitted on time.

Process Improvement & Systems Management

Continuously review and enhance payroll processes to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and scalability. Maintain and develop the iTrent payroll system, ensuring legal compliance and optimal functionality. Collaborate with the MHR system provider to resolve technical issues and implement system improvements. Lead payroll-related projects, including the integration of payroll and HR systems, identifying and implementing enhancements.

Operational Excellence

Manage all aspects of payroll processing, including data input, pay variations, back pay, maternity/paternity pay, and leaver administration. Ensure accurate application of tax codes, NI contributions, student loans, and salary adjustments. Oversee the Employee Self-Service system and respond to routine payroll queries. Prepare and reconcile payroll data against budget forecasts and costings.

Reporting & Financial Coordination

Prepare and submit monthly and year-end payroll reports, including BACS payments and pension contributions. Liaise with the Finance Team to ensure payroll sign-off, reconciliations, and alignment with financial planning. Maintain staffing cost spreadsheets to support budget development and forecasting. Analyse internal and external payroll data to inform strategic decisions and ensure a responsive payroll function.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Proficient in the effective use of a wide range of ICT systems and software, with advanced skills in Microsoft Office and payroll platforms. (Essential) Exceptional administrative and organisational abilities, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy. (Essential) Strong written, numerical, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and confidently. (Essential) Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive working relationships and communicate effectively with colleagues at all levels. (Essential) A collaborative team player who understands the wider context of Trust and school operations and their own role within it. (Essential) Proactive in identifying personal development needs and committed to continuous professional growth. (Essential)

Experience

Proven experience in the development, management, and operation of payroll and HR systems. (Essential) Demonstrated experience working with HMRC, occupational pension schemes (LGPS and TPS), and other statutory bodies. (Essential) Strong understanding of pension auto-enrolment requirements and payroll-related legislation. (Essential) Experience generating payroll-related management information and analytical reports to support strategic decision-making. (Essential) Experience using Management Information Systems and payroll software, ideally including iTrent. (Desirable) Background in payroll within the education or public sector environment. (Desirable) Experience managing or leading a team, with a focus on performance development and service delivery. (Desirable)

Qualifications

GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade 5 (C) or above. (Essential) A-Level qualifications or equivalent. (Desirable) CIPP Diploma in Payroll Management or equivalent professional qualification/experience. (Essential) Strong numeracy and literacy skills, with the ability to interpret and apply complex data. (Essential)
Further details can be found under Current Staff Vacancies at www.nestschools.org All applicants must submit the Trust's application form before they can be considered for shortlisting for interview.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months

Pay: 47,532.00-50,574.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Cycle to work scheme Employee discount
Schedule:

Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:

Beckenham BR3: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 28/07/2025
Reference ID: Senior Payroll Manager
Expected start date: 01/09/2025