Payroll Team Leader, University of Surrey

An opening for a Payroll Team Leader at the University of Surrey, to manage and provide professional advice on payroll matters and issues within the context of university policies, statutory legislation and procedures.

Role & Responsibilities

Here at the University you will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Payroll team, ensuring a high level, timely and efficient payroll advisory and operational support service to management, staff and external agencies.

Other key responsibilities include:

•    Deliver the payroll service across the University and subsidiaries, in the most cost effective and efficient way whilst meeting the needs of the University, in compliance with University policies, statutory guidance and procedures at all times. Provide specialist advice and guidance on payroll matters, procedures and best practice to senior management and employees.

•    Manage and oversee the payroll team, providing leadership, coaching and development as appropriate, including establishing workloads, prioritising work, monitoring performance and ensuring all deadlines are met in a timely and efficient manner.

•    To be responsible for ensuring that changes in payroll legislation, University policies and conditions of service are interpreted and implemented correctly and in a timely and efficient manner. This includes identifying the impact of changes in payroll legislation and university policies and contributing to the necessary changes to practice and policy at the University, as and when required in a timely and efficient manner.

•    Produce and reconcile all year end data and ensuring all returns are made to the relevant bodies by the statutory deadlines.

•    To work as a subject matter expert on projects alongside, or instead of, the payroll manager for which the specialist nature of this role provides essential and relevant expertise.

What’s in it for you?

We think Surrey is an amazing place to work, and we are carefully crafting a dynamic, flexible, and fun place to work and thrive.

Our campus is a beautiful, leafy environment with carefully designed gardens, vibrant green playing fields, and a picturesque lake. With the buzz of student life and superb working facilities, the University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research in an inspiring, innovative and diverse environment.

Alongside our gorgeous campus setting, collegiate on-site atmosphere and plentiful development opportunities, we also offer:

Competitive Salary

Annual Incremental Pay Rise

Market leading Pension

25 Days annual leave + 7 University Days + Bank Holidays

Travel & Family benefits including subsidised rail fare, cycle to work scheme and on-site childcare

Access to on site world-class leisure facilities at discounted rates

On-site parking, cafes, restaurants and coffee shops

How to Apply

For more information or to be considered for the role, please apply via the University of Surrey Website.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community.  Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Closing Date: 11 Jan 2026

Area: Professional Services

Salary: £37,694 to £46,049 per annum