Payroll Project Specialist

Description

Payroll Project Specialist

Rate: £148.88 PAYE

Contract Type: Fixed Term – up to 6 months (with potential extension)

Location: Essex (Hybrid Working)

Start Date: Mid-January 2026

Minerva Recruitment is recruiting on behalf of Essex County Council for two Payroll Project Specialists to support a key payroll transformation project on a fixed-term basis.

This is an excellent opportunity for experienced payroll professionals who enjoy detailed, project-based work and have a strong understanding of statutory payroll, pensions, and systems testing.

The Role

You will play a critical role in delivering enhancements to payroll processes, with a particular focus on absence and pension configurations, Teachers’ Pension MCR reporting, and LGPS reporting within the payroll system. The role requires a high level of accuracy, investigative capability, and confidence working with complex payroll data.

Key Responsibilities

Review, update, and test payroll elements in collaboration with the software provider

Carry out detailed testing of payroll entry and employee self-service functionality

Configure and test statutory and occupational absence payments to ensure accuracy and HMRC compliance

Support improvements to Teachers’ Pension reporting, including service, salary, and contribution data

Assist with the transition to automated LGPS reporting by reviewing, configuring, and testing monthly processes

Participate in User Acceptance Testing (UAT), providing clear, structured, and detailed feedbackWhat We’re Looking For

Extensive experience in payroll with strong attention to detail

Proven ability to manually calculate PAYE and National Insurance

Solid knowledge of UK payroll legislation, including statutory absence and payments

Experience working with Local Government and/or Teachers’ Pensions (including assumed pensionable pay and deduction tiers) – highly desirable

Confidence working in UAT environments and supporting system enhancements

Experience using Oracle Fusion payroll systems

A proactive, analytical approach with strong problem-solving skillsWhy Apply? xjnqpsq

Competitive daily rates

Hybrid working arrangement

Opportunity to work on a high-impact payroll improvement project

Potential contract extension

To apply or for further information, please contact Minerva Recruitment. We welcome applications from experienced payroll professionals seeking a challenging and rewarding project role

Ad ID: 5417597463