Payroll & Systems Manager

Harwell, Oxfordshire – primarily based onsite / some home working available

About Us

Diamond Light Source is the UK’s national synchrotron science facility. By accelerating electrons to near light-speed, Diamond generates brilliant beams of light from infra-red to X-rays which are used for academic and industry research and development across a range of scientific disciplines including structural biology, physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering, earth and environmental sciences.

Diamond is one of the most advanced scientific facilities in the world, and its pioneering capabilities and talented staff are helping to keep the UK at the forefront of scientific research.

About the Role

We now have an opportunity for a Payroll and Systems Manager to act as the focal point of control over the company payroll systems and processes. Working within the Finance function you will provide key support on payroll matters for the Finance Business Partners whilst liaising with various internal and external parties to ensure all payroll system matters are administered effectively.

Responsibilities will include:

• Be the subject matter expert and lead for the monthly payroll, ensuring accuracy and integrity and reviewing payroll practices and procedures on an ongoing basis.
  
  
• Provide guidance and directly manage the Payroll Advisor role.
  
  
• To develop and review payroll policies and procedures, on an ongoing basis to ensure Diamond is complying with legislation and best practice while driving continuous improvements and automation.
  
  
• Analyse and report on payroll and related financial data to stakeholders internally including the HR team, Employee Representative Council, Executive and Board members to facilitate management decision making.
  
  
• Responsibility for ensuring year-end payroll data is accurate and providing information for the annual Statutory Accounts, DSIT and external auditors.
  
  
• Be the system administrator for the payroll system, including:
  
  
• Lead system development programmes, testing software updates for both upgrades and fixes
  
  
• Monitor and review software updates
  
  
• System set-up, maintenance and continuous improvement
  
  
• Resolve technical issues and be key point of contact with supplier / support provider, working with them to resolve issues
  
  About You
  
  You should be qualified with a CIPP qualification (or equivalent) and have a broad experience of managing company payroll processes.
  
  You must be able to demonstrate experience of managing and implementing payroll controls and enhanced payroll IT system procedures.
  
  As the key contact within Finance you must be able to demonstrate a good working knowledge of payroll reporting and their role in budget forecasting. A working understanding of defined benefit pension schemes and the administration processes required with such schemes would also be an advantage.
  
  Benefits
  
  Diamond offers an exceptional benefits package to support staff in achieving a positive work/life balance. This includes 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure, public holidays, 2 annual volunteering days and flexible working hours. We also offer an excellent defined benefit pension scheme. Staff also have access to a range of amenities on site including a nursery, cafes, a restaurant and sports and leisure facilities. A relocation allowance may also be available where applicable.
  
  To Apply
  
  Please use the online application process to apply and tell us why you believe you are suitable for this role.
  
  The closing date for applications is 8th June 2025 with interviews scheduled for the week commencing 9th and 16th June 2025