Head of Payroll

CV-Library • London, London • 1h ago

Head of Payroll

£35.88 per hour PAYE | £48.99 per hour Umbrella Location: London / Hybrid – 1 day a week onsite Contract: end Date February 2027 – possible extension beyond this

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Head of Payroll to join a large and complex organisation in London on a hybrid basis.

This is a senior payroll leadership role with responsibility for the overall accuracy, compliance and delivery of UK and overseas payroll, alongside leading a team and driving continuous improvement across the payroll function.

Key responsibilities

Lead and manage the payroll team, ensuring accurate and timely payroll delivery
Oversee monthly payroll, gross-to-net sign-off, HMRC/statutory submissions and year-end processes
Manage pension auto-enrolment, payroll deductions, reconciliations and third-party payments
Ensure robust payroll controls, procedures, audit compliance and exception reporting
Drive process improvement, efficiency and payroll transformation
Work closely with HR, Finance, senior stakeholders, auditors and external providers
Manage complex payroll issues and ensure a high-quality, customer-focused service
Lead and support change across payroll systems, processes and ways of working

About you

We're looking for an experienced payroll leader with:

Significant experience managing complex, high-volume payroll operations
Strong UK payroll, HMRC, pensions and statutory compliance knowledge
Experience leading and developing payroll teams
Proven experience delivering payroll process improvement and change
Strong reconciliation, controls and audit experience
Excellent stakeholder management skills, including the confidence to influence and challenge senior stakeholders
Experience working across multiple HR/payroll systems
A calm, solutions-focused approach and the ability to perform under pressure
CIPP Foundation Degree and Lean/Six Sigma Green Belt