Payroll Officer

We are seeking a meticulous and proactive Payroll Officer to provide high-quality administrative support to our Payroll function within an Education setting. This is a key role responsible for ensuring the accurate and timely payment of staff and related external agencies, while maintaining compliance with statutory and organisational requirements.

You will work collaboratively across HR and Finance, handling sensitive personal and financial data with discretion and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Collate, calculate and input variable data into the HR & Payroll system
• Check all incoming payroll information for accuracy and appropriate authorisation
• Process data for starters, leavers and contract changes
• Check and process pay and expense claims, ensuring all documentation is complete and approved
• Produce and check monthly payslips
• Ensure statutory payments (e.g. SSP, SMP, SPP) are calculated accurately and paid on time
• Prepare manual payslips using HMRC and pension tables where required
• Ensure timely generation and distribution of payslips
• Keep up to date with organisational, statutory and legislative changes affecting payroll and pensions
• Identify and implement service and system improvements
• Support the Payroll Manager with system updates, audits (internal and external), and year-end reconciliations and returns
• Investigate and resolve payroll errors

About You

Qualifications & Training (Essential)

• Minimum Level 2 qualification in literacy and numeracy (e.g. GCSE English and Maths at grade A*–C)
• Minimum Level 4 qualification in Accountancy, Payroll or equivalent experience

Knowledge & Experience (Essential)

• Previous HR and/or Payroll experience in a similar role
• Knowledge of payroll-related legislation
• Strong understanding of payroll processes across the full employee lifecycle

Technical & People Skills (Essential)

• Knowledge of Data Protection legislation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to work collaboratively to solve problems and improve practice
• Strong attention to detail and ability to use initiative
• Confidence communicating complex information clearly and effectively
• Ability to handle confidential information sensitively

Salary & Benefits

• Salary: £27,000 per annum
• Pension: Pension Fund (Employee 5.8%, Employer 15.1%), with additional pension options including shared cost AVCs
• Annual Leave:
  • 25 days bookable leave
  • 8 Bank Holidays
  • 2 Local Holidays
  • 5 College closure days (typically taken at Christmas)
• Working Hours:
  • Monday to Thursday: 8:30am – 5:00pm (1 hour lunch)
  • Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm (1 hour lunch)
• Working Pattern:
  • Initially office-based Monday to Friday
  • Opportunity to move to hybrid working, with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office
• Additional Benefits:
  • Access to on-site gym and discounted membership with local providers
  • Cycle to Work scheme
  • Technology vouchers
  • Dental scheme
  • Medical cover
  • Discounted bus and rail fares
  • Blue Light Card
  • Totum Card

If you are detail-oriented, collaborative and committed to delivering an accurate and professional payroll service, we would love to hear from you.