Payroll Technical Lead (Oracle Payroll)

About the role

Lambeth Borough Council is seeking an experienced Payroll Technical Lead to manage the technical delivery of its payroll service for school and corporate staff. Working within the Finance & Governance division, you will act as the Oracle Payroll subject‑matter expert and ensure accurate, timely payroll processing for thousands of employees.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the end‑to‑end monthly payroll run, including validation reports, BACS file transmission, RTI submissions, FPS/EPS files and post‑payroll activities.
• Own Oracle Payroll developments, upgrades, testing, functional specifications and reporting requirements.
• Liaise with the Oracle Support Team to raise, monitor and resolve system issues.
• Manage year‑end and start‑of‑year processes such as P60s, tax code uplifts, pay awards, increments, pension thresholds and statutory updates.
• Oversee payroll data submissions and pension returns via LGPS I‑Connect, LPFA employer portal, Teachers' Pensions MCR and NHSPS records.
• Supervise the Payroll Technical Officer, ensuring delivery against deadlines and quality standards.
• Support payroll reconciliations, audit queries, National Fraud Initiative reporting and management information requests.

Required profile

• Proven experience in a senior payroll technical role, preferably within a public sector or large‑scale environment.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise junior technical staff and coordinate cross‑functional teams (Finance, HR, Pensions, auditors).
• Strong knowledge of statutory payroll requirements and reporting obligations in the UK.
• Excellent analytical and problem‑solving skills with a focus on continuous improvement.

Required skills

• Oracle Payroll
• BACS file transmission
• RTI submissions (FPS/EPS)
• Year‑end payroll processing and P60 generation
• Tax code uplifts and pay award management
• Pension thresholds and statutory updates
• LGPS I‑Connect
• LPFA employer portal
• Teachers' Pensions MCR
• NHSPS records
• System testing and functional reporting