Full job descriptionInterim Payroll Manager | Educational Institution | West London (Hybrid)
Harmonic are delighted to be partnering exclusively with an established Education Institution in West London on the search for an Interim Payroll Manager to provide urgent cover across a complex, multi-payroll environment.
This is an immediate requirement. The business needs someone who can walk in, get up to speed quickly, and take ownership of end-to-end payroll delivery from day one. There is no lengthy onboarding period and the first BACS run falls within weeks of the start date.
This role will suit a hands-on, experienced payroll professional who is comfortable managing multiple payrolls and pension schemes simultaneously, and who can lead a small team with minimal handholding.
The Role
Reporting into senior Finance and HR leadership, you will take day-to-day ownership of payroll across staff, plus a number of smaller payrolls covering variable and hourly paid populations. You will manage multiple public sector pension schemes and all associated HMRC reporting obligations, and liaise closely with Finance colleagues for monthly payroll balancing. You will also line manage two Payroll and Pensions Officers.
iTrent is the payroll system in use. Candidates with strong iTrent experience are strongly preferred, though candidates switching from SAP to iTrent will be considered.
Key Responsibilities
*Own end-to-end payroll delivery across multiple payrolls, including a main monthly payroll of circa 1,000 staff and smaller variable pay populations
*Manage all associated pension scheme obligations across multiple public sector and private schemes
*Ensure timely and accurate HMRC reporting including RTI, PAYE and NI deductions
*Complete monthly payroll balancing in conjunction with the Finance team
*Line manage and support two Payroll and Pensions Officers
*Work collaboratively with HR and Finance colleagues to ensure smooth payroll operations
What We Need to See (Essential)
*Proven hands-on experience managing complex, multi-payroll environments
*Strong working knowledge of pension scheme administration across multiple schemes
*iTrent experience strongly preferred; SAP-to-iTrent switchers considered
*Ability to hit the ground running in an urgent, time-pressured environment
*Strong communication skills and the confidence to manage upwards and across the business
*Immediately available or on a very short notice period
What Would Be Advantageous
*Experience within the public sector or similarly complex payroll environments
*Familiarity with public sector pension schemes including defined benefit arrangements
*Previous experience in an education, healthcare or local government payroll environment
Day Rate: £400-550 per day - potential flexibility for outstanding candidates (please note this role is likely inside IR35)
Contract Length: 6 months (two-week client-side notice period)
Location: South West London, good transport links. Hybrid supported with an expectation of office-based working initially.
Start Date: Tuesday 7th July - candidates must be available to start next week.
If you are interested - to be considered for the role please forward your CV
At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.
At Harmonic, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and assure you that every candidate will be thoughtfully considered for the roles we represent, without regard to race, religion, gender expression, disability, or sexual orientation.