Payroll Assistant

Hours of Work: 25 hours per week, Monday - Friday with flexibility available

We require a detail orientated and organised Payroll Assistant to support the accurate and timely processing of weekly and monthly payrolls for approximately 1,000 UK-based employees, ensuring compliance with UK payroll legislation, company policies, and HMRC requirements. The role will assist in maintaining payroll data integrity, resolving queries, and supporting continuous improvement of payroll processes. Responsibilities include:

• Assist in the end-to-end processing of weekly and monthly payrolls, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with UK legislation.
• Input, validate, and maintain employee payroll data including new starters, leavers, pay changes, statutory payments, deductions, and benefits.
• Calculate and process statutory payments such as SSP, SMP, SPP, and ensure correct application of tax, NI, and pension contributions.
• Support payroll reconciliations and checks, ensuring all payroll outputs are accurate and authorised prior to payment.
• Liaise with HR and Finance to ensure alignment of employee data and prompt resolution of discrepancies.
• Respond to payroll queries from employees in a professional and timely manner.
• Assist with HMRC submissions including RTI (FPS/EPS) and year-end processes such as P60s and P11Ds where required.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and ensure compliance with GDPR and data protection standards.
• Support audits by providing required payroll documentation and reports.
• Assist with pension administration, including auto-enrolment compliance and provider submissions.

Minimum Competencies (Skills, Knowledge and Behaviours)

• Experience working within a payroll function.
• Strong attention to detail and high level of numerical accuracy
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and payroll systems
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements
• Ability to work to deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong communication skills and ability to deal with employee queries professionally.
• Team-oriented with a proactive and flexible approach
• Organised with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.

Minimum Qualifications

• National 5s (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics
• Understanding of UK payroll legislation and processes

Desirable Qualifications/Competencies

• CIPP qualification (or equivalent)
• Familiarity with UK payroll systems (Access People XD would be advantage)
• Knowledge of pension auto-enrolment processes
• Experience working in a multi-site or high-volume payroll environment.
• Exposure to payroll reporting and reconciliations