Payroll Lead (Maternity Cover)

Join UK’s top-ranking independent school as a Payroll Lead ( Maternity Cover) with a competitive salary and a generous benefits package including gym membership, free lunch during term time, a BUPA cash plan, 10% employer pension contribution, optional on-site accommodation (subject to availability), free or discounted parking in Wimbledon (space permitting), and school fee remission.

The post holder will work closely with the Finance and HR teams and will be responsible for the customer service, professional running, and reporting of the payroll. The school, its subsidiaries and the pre-prep school have approximately 675 members of teaching and support staff and the payroll function covers all aspects of payroll and pension administration. The successful applicant will be organised and have excellent attention to detail. The role involves high volume administration and relies on understanding of payroll legislation and calculations, and accuracy in relation to inputting data onto the payroll system. The role-holder will be responsible for the end-to-end processing of three separate payrolls, month end reconciliations and pension administration and returns

Key Responsibilities

The Payroll Lead is responsible for the following:

• End to end payroll processing: including starters, leavers, salary amendments, calculations for SMP, SPL, SPP, SSP, pensions; ensuring compliance with UK tax, pension finance and employment laws

• Calculate and input any variable pay data e.g. additional hours/overtime

• Assisting with salary calculations

• Liaising with the finance department for the monthly payroll process

• Producing and analysing variances, reconciliations and internal payroll reports for review and authorisation

• Promoting the relationship with the school’s payroll provider including managing and implementing updates and providing feedback through user group sessions

• Ensuring the payroll database is accurate and developing the digitisation payroll functions

• Benefit reconciliation of the school’s medical plan

• Ensuring that all payroll changes are authorised in accordance with internal authorisation procedures and that all documentation is accurately filed and recorded in readiness to support the finance team with external audits

• Keep abreast of all developments and legislation surrounding payroll, HR, pension, and benefits

• Accountable for the management and reconciliation of the year end process and producing P60s, P11Ds and benefit statements

• Implementing mass salary changes through the annual salary review

• Updating and distributing internal salary scales

• Ensuring compliance with auto enrolment, issuing pension letters, managing pension changes and opt outs on the payroll system

• Maintenance, reconciliation and returns for Teachers’ Pension and defined contribution pensions

• Dealing with general payroll queries and related correspondence

• Leading on the implementation of the payroll modules in the new HR/Payroll system

• Testing and sign off on the implementation on payroll aspects of the new HR/Payroll system

• Drive through continuous improvement in the payroll processes and user experience

• Undertaking any other reasonable tasks as directed by the Deputy Finance Director/Finance Director

Person Specification

Essential skills/qualifications:

• Extensive experience in end-to-end payroll processing and software operations

• Ability to build strong working relationships at all levels

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with customer service focus

• A high degree of numeracy is essential as well as a high standard of written and verbal communication

• Good understanding of Microsoft Office packages, particularly proficiency in Excel with the ability to confidently manipulate data

• Flexible and adaptable in approach to work with the ability to multi-task

• Meticulous and accurate with attention to detail

• Ability to drive through best practice and improve the systems and drive through change

• Full understanding of employee confidentiality and data protection with the appropriate handling of sensitive information

Desirable skills:

• Experience of using Frontier (Chris 21)

• Experience of implementing a new HR/Payroll system

• Previous experience of working in a school is desirable but not essential

Terms & Conditions:

• Required as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for a detailed hand over

• Fixed term maternity cover until the end of May 2027

• Full time (40 hours per week)

• Salary: £48,000 - £52,000 per annum

King’s is one of the most successful schools in the world, with outstanding academic results, first-class pastoral care and a vibrant co-curriculum. Overlooking Wimbledon Common, the school is situated in one of the most attractive parts of south east England and benefits from exceptional grounds and facilities.

Closing date: Sunday 16th August 2026.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews are likely to be staged. Early applications are encouraged as we may choose to appoint at any time during the application process.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974.

King’s is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants will be required to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service. King’s College School is fully committed to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusivity in its recruitment of teaching and support staff.