Temporary Payroll Manager

Hybrid (2 days on-site) Hackney - E8 3 Month role Umbrella day rate: .42 PAYE day rate: .42

Are you a highly experienced Payroll Manager ready to lead a critical service within one of the UK's most diverse and highest-performing local authorities? The London Borough of Hackney is looking for a proactive, ambitious, and proud leader to head up our Payroll Team and ensure the efficient and effective delivery of payroll support services to the Council.

We are a Council that thrives on challenge and change, and our staff are key to making Hackney a place where everyone can be proud and successful. This is an opportunity to be the Council's lead adviser on all payroll matters, driving performance, innovation, and customer‑focused service.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading and Developing the Team: Directly managing two Payroll Team Leaders and providing oversight to a team of 10, ensuring high‑quality, efficient service delivery and staff development.
• Operational Excellence: Ensuring all payroll data input, BACS transactions, and 3rd party payments are processed accurately and on time, in compliance with statutory and contractual obligations.
• Expert Guidance: Acting as the Council's expert in payroll legislation, planning the implementation of legislative and system changes, and maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge.
• Strategic Collaboration: Working closely with HR, Treasury, and Pensions Services colleagues on corporate projects and service improvements.
• System and Data Integrity: Partnering with ICT on system development (i‑Trent), ensuring accurate monthly and year‑end processes (P60s and P11ds), and performing regular audits.

Essential Requirements for this Role (Must Have)

To be successful in this PO7 grade role based at the Hackney Service Centre, you must demonstrate the following:

• Recent i‑Trent Experience: Expert working knowledge of i‑Trent is highly desirable, as well as experience with other HR Information Systems (HRIS).
• Local Government Background: Thorough knowledge of local government terms and conditions of service and experience managing payroll and pensions in a large, complex environment, preferably shared services.
• Teachers' Payroll: In‑depth knowledge of employer responsibilities in the operation of the Teachers' Pension Scheme and processing Teachers' Payroll.
• Teachers' Pension: In‑depth knowledge of legislative and Council policy requirements regarding Pensions and the ability to apply this knowledge.
• Professional Expertise: Member of the Institute of Payroll Professionals (IPP) or significant demonstrable experience.

Why Work for Hackney?

At Hackney, you'll be part of an organisation that is Open, Inclusive, Ambitious, Pioneering, Proactive, and Proud. We offer an agile working pattern combining hybrid working across our offices and from home. We support your professional development and encourage a culture of innovation, smart, and collaborative working.

If you possess a track record of strong and effective leadership and the ability to establish credibility and confidence in payroll support services, we encourage you to apply!

Commercial Services Trading Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.