Cobb & Jones are working with a large business based in Kings Hill, they are looking for an experienced Payroll Team Lead to support the smooth running of the end-to-end payroll cycle, while helping to develop and support a busy payroll team.
This is a hands-on leadership role, ideal for someone who enjoys both the technical detail of payroll processing and the people side of managing and mentoring a team, all while working closely with senior stakeholders across the business.
Key Responsibilities
Day to Day:
· Support the end-to-end payroll cycle, including hands-on processing where required.
· Review regular payroll runs to ensure accuracy (first-line checks).
· Support system-wide calculations within the pay cycle, including transfers between payroll companies and payroll number allocation for re-hired employees.
· Identify and report any over- or underpayments, providing sufficient supporting evidence.
· Complete manual system backups in line with the agreed schedule.
· Support with HMRC communications, including tax code downloads, FPS and EPS submissions.
· Assist with closing payroll cycles and report running.
· Support the Payroll Manager with outstanding requests and escalations within the payroll portal.
Team & People:
· Mentor and support the team, assisting with training and continued professional development.
· Identify and escalate performance issues or training needs to the Payroll Manager.
· Recognise and report strong performers, and provide positive feedback to the team where warranted.
· Carry out weekly one-to-ones with team members.
· Provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence and critical processing.
· Keep up to date with changes to payroll legislation.
Communication:
· Develop and maintain relationships with on-site teams to ensure information flows are reliable, accurate and timely.
· Monitor the payroll portal, responding to and resolving requests in line with agreed Service Level Agreements.
· Support stakeholders via telephone, ensuring all requests are logged and handled professionally.
· Review central email inboxes to ensure timely completion of requests.
Strategy & Improvement:
· Work with the Payroll Manager to maintain and review payroll calendars, planning resource and monitoring payroll cycles.
· Review existing controls, recommending improvements and identifying areas of risk.
· Work with senior colleagues across the business to manage expectations, communication and issue resolution.
· Support the implementation of new systems and processes, providing training to the team where required.
· Complete monthly control account reconciliations.
Role Requirements
· Proven experience in a payroll role, ideally with some experience leading, mentoring or supervising others.
· Strong working knowledge of end-to-end payroll processing, including HMRC requirements such as FPS and EPS submissions.
· Experience with multi-site or multi-company payroll would be an advantage, given the complexity of this payroll function.
· Confident using payroll systems, with strong attention to detail and a methodical approach to checks and reconciliations.