Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll for 825 staff, ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulations.
- Company: Smiley & Co, Ltd. is a prestigious independent school in Surrey, established in 1611.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, health insurance, and more perks like free parking.
- Why this job: Join a supportive community focused on kindness and personal growth while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in payroll management, strong leadership skills, and knowledge of employment law required.
- Other info: Opportunities for professional development and participation in school events.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 63000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Payroll and Benefits Manager role at Smiley & Co, Ltd.
1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Payroll and Benefits Manager role at Smiley & Co, Ltd.
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Payroll And Benefits Manager
Location: Godalming, Surrey
Salary: £58,000 – £63,000 per annum
Closing Date: Friday 15 August 2025
The School is a leading coeducational independent school located on a picturesque 250-acre campus in Surrey. Established in 1611, they are committed to providing an exceptional education that empowers students to achieve their full potential in a supportive and inclusive environment. Their core values of kindness and belonging are fundamental to their thriving community.
The Role
The School seeks to appoint, for October 2025, a highly competent and experienced Payroll and Benefits Manager.
The role will manage payroll staff and report directly to the Finance Bursar. The role is responsible for overseeing and directing the family of schools payroll functions, ensuring accurate and timely processing of payroll and benefits compliance with Government regulations, and proper reporting and recordkeeping. This role involves collaborating with HR to streamline payroll processes and managing and implementing payroll systems. Ultimately this role ensures that employees are paid correctly and on time, ensuring compliance with statutory and contractual obligations and for providing key management information.
Key Responsibilities
- Managing and processing the payroll in an accurate and timely manner, across three payrolls, for around 825 permanent and temporary staff members including RTI submissions, PAYE, Apprentice Levy, National Living Wage, all end of year/ monthly returns and payments to relevant parties;
- Managing and administering pension schemes (Teachers Pension Scheme, and Group Personal Pension Scheme) including Contractual/ Auto Enrolment requirements and to a lesser extent the old defined benefit pension scheme. This includes liaising with advisors and preparation and submission of annual renewal and includes group life and group income protection.
- Calculation and processing P11D benefits in kind via the payroll and submissions of P11D where required.
- Point of contact for Payroll, Pension and Benefit queries, and responding in a timely manner
- Preparation of payroll related audit schedules for financial year end, Teachers Pension audit and Defined Benefit Pension administration and liaison with auditors and supply documentation as required managing payroll system upgrades, integrations, and process improvements.
- Payroll budgeting and forecasting
- Analysing payroll data for statistical purposes for example Gender Pay Gap Reporting and KPIs.
- Supervising and training payroll staff, ensuring accuracy and efficiency of team output.
- Coordinating with HR teams to ensure alignment between payroll and employee changes (recruitment, terminations, leavers, etc.).
- Preparing and filing monthly and annual payroll tax returns and reports (RTI, P11D, P60).
- Staying current on industry trends, tax law updates, and best practices in payroll management.
Essential
Skills and Qualifications
- Hands on experience of processing and managing large in-house payroll and benefits;
- Knowledge of employment law and HMRC regulations and be committed to keeping up to date with new legislation;
- Salary sacrifice administration experience
- The ability to be flexible in their approach to working, have the ability to manage their time efficiently ensuring that all deadlines are met;
- The ability to communicate with staff at all levels is essential whilst exercising a high degree of professionalism;
- Computer literacy with intermediate/ advanced excel skills;
- Strong leadership and team management skills;
- The ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities;
- A high degree of tact, diplomacy, and discretion.
- 5+ years of experience in payroll processing, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role
- knowledge of in-house payroll software systems
- in-depth knowledge of HMRC and other legislation related to payroll and tax regulations
Desirable
- Experience within the education sector, knowledge of Teachers Pension and familiarity with term time working is desirable not bit essential. Basic bookkeeping knowledge.
Benefits
- Competitive contributory occupational pension scheme
- Death in service benefit up to the age of 70 (if not already included in occupational pension scheme)
- Single Membership of a private medical insurance scheme (subject to eligibility)
- Cash Health Plan currently provided by +Medicash
- Payment for eye tests for users of visual display screen equipment, and a contribution currently amounting to £50 to the cost of any corrective eye wear (normally claimable once every 3 years)
- Personal Accident insurance
- Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- School fee remission (subject to eligibility).
- Membership of the School Sports Centre
- Membership of the Schools 9-hole golf course at a reduced subscription
- Participation in a Cycle to Work scheme (subject to eligibility)
- Salary sacrifice on electric vehicles (subject to eligibility)
- Lunches, during your normal working day
- Free on-site parking
- Invitations to school productions and concerts throughout the year
- Use of the School Library to borrow books & other media
- Continuing professional development as part of their talent management programme.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable School, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.
LNKD1_UKTJ
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Human Resources
-
Industries
Human Resources
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Smiley & Co, Ltd. by 2x
Sign in to set job alerts for “Payroll Benefits Manager” roles.
Guildford, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Guildford, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Bracknell, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Surrey, England, United Kingdom 2 hours ago
Surrey, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Leatherhead, England, United Kingdom £50,000.00-£60,000.00 3 weeks ago
Woking, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Staines-Upon-Thames, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Surrey, England, United Kingdom 3 hours ago
Hersham, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Crawley, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Windsor, England, United Kingdom 1 month ago
Weybridge, England, United Kingdom 3 days ago
Windsor, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Brentford, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Walton On The Hill, England, United Kingdom 4 weeks ago
Kingston Upon Thames, England, United Kingdom £47,737.00-£52,250.00 1 day ago
Mobility Tax – Payroll Manager – Financial Services – London/Bristol/Manchester/Newcastle/Reading
Reading, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago
HR Generalist/Manager – German speaker, based in the UK
London, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Hersham, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Technical Implementation Manager (Payroll)
Crawley, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
HR & Payroll Administrator (9 – 12 Month Contract)
Surrey, England, United Kingdom 4 weeks ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Payroll and Benefits Manager employer: Smiley & Co, Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Smiley & Co, Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll and Benefits Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific payroll software systems mentioned in the job description. If you have experience with similar systems, be ready to discuss how your skills can transfer to their environment.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest HMRC regulations and employment laws relevant to payroll management. This knowledge will not only help you in the role but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the education sector or those who have worked in similar roles. They can provide insights into the unique challenges of payroll in schools, which could give you an edge in discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your leadership and team management skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you successfully led a team or improved payroll processes, as these will be key points of interest for the hiring managers.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll and Benefits Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in payroll management and benefits administration. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you meet the essential skills and qualifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the school’s values. Mention specific experiences that align with the responsibilities listed, such as managing payroll systems or liaising with HR.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your hands-on experience with large in-house payroll systems and your knowledge of HMRC regulations. Include any supervisory roles you've held to showcase your leadership skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Payroll and Benefits Manager.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smiley & Co, Ltd.
✨Know Your Payroll Regulations
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of HMRC regulations and employment law. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're well-prepared and understand the legal framework surrounding payroll management.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Payroll and Benefits Manager, you'll be supervising staff. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, highlighting your ability to train and manage effectively while ensuring accuracy and efficiency.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about payroll software systems and your experience with them. Familiarise yourself with the specific systems used by the school, if possible, and be prepared to discuss how you've implemented or improved payroll processes in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll need to communicate with staff at all levels, so be prepared to demonstrate your interpersonal skills. Think of examples where you've handled payroll queries or collaborated with HR to resolve issues, showcasing your professionalism and tact.
