Pensions Payroll Specialist

Requirements of the role

To be the Regulatory Compliance Directorate subject matter expert and point of reference for all payroll related issues. This includes Large Employer and Sector deep dives ensuring pension contributions are calculated accurately and efficiently.

To monitor developments and provide close compliance oversight of all payroll middleware and software providers, prioritising those with or likely to achieve large market share (and/or are considered high risk).

To support and present at Automatic Enrolment (AE) and payroll conferences and speaking events as agreed.

To work with key contacts in HMRC and DWP on relevant legislative changes and communications impacting on the payroll software industry and the services and products they provide.

Responsibilities

• Support AE Compliance and Enforcement (C&E) from a payroll perspective on all case work, as required, attending the more complex inspections.
• Provide effective and specialist support to AE C&E on all payroll, pension contribution and tax related issues encountered both on individual cases and at a thematic and strategic level.
• Deep understanding of the payroll industry and systems including the key stakeholders, enabling AE C&E to thoroughly investigate any non-compliance in this area and put corrective solutions in place where necessary.
• Develop payroll data analysis and compliance tools that support AE C&E investigations.
• Periodic review of all the main software providers and new software entrants advising on key risks in this field.
• To help the major AE payroll and middleware software providers understand the AE regulations and ensure they provide compliant products and services.
• To run a programme of face-to-face meetings with large software providers ensuring all aspects of their AE design are compliant.
• Provide AE C&E with regular and comprehensive training on the major payroll systems and providers including known issues and on-going developments.
• To keep a record of all external payroll related meetings ensuring networking and contact details are recorded and maintained.
• To plan AE software industry engagement campaigns and attend public speaking events as agreed.

Essential and desirable criteria

Essential

• At least 5 years payroll software industry experience.
• Excellent working knowledge of payroll industry and best practices, including HMRC tax and NI rules.
• Expert on AE legislation, particularly assessment and pay reference period processes.
• Campaign and contact data management.
• Data Protection Act/Freedom of Information principles.
• TPR values and ways of working.
• Public speaking to small and large audiences.
• Use of standard Office IT software applications.

Desirable

• A good working knowledge of TPR’s C&E practices and procedures.
• Strong working knowledge of pension provider industry and middleware software industry.
• Technical knowledge of payroll software systems.
• Membership of CIPP (Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals).

View on member website