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- Tasks: Lead payroll management and ensure accurate salary processing for staff.
- Company: Join Abingdon School, a prestigious independent school with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days paid leave, generous pension contributions, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a rewarding role while supporting a diverse educational environment.
- Qualifications: 5-10 years payroll experience and a formal payroll qualification required.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for professional development available.
The predicted salary is between 48500 - 55000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced payroll professional looking to take the lead in a dynamic, rewarding environment? Abingdon School is seeking a dedicated Payroll Manager to join our team and oversee the delivery of a high-quality, accurate payroll and benefits service.
Location: Abingdon School, OX14 1DE
Job Type: Full Time, Permanent
Working Hours: 40 hours per week, 08.30 to 17.00, Monday-Friday
Salary: £48,500 to £55,000 per annum
Closing Date: 3 November 2025 9am
About Us: The Foundation comprises two schools: Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep School, as well as Abingdon School Enterprises. Abingdon School is a leading independent day and boarding school with more than 1,000 pupils aged 11-18. Currently a boys school, it will become co-educational from September 2026. Abingdon Prep School is a vibrant and warm day preparatory school with around 200 pupils aged 4-13 which has been co-educational since last year. Both Schools are situated in beautiful and extensive grounds, with the senior school in the heart of Abingdon on Thames, just south of Oxford, and the Prep School located a few miles away in nearby Frilford.
This position is a key role within the HR and Finance teams reporting to the Director of HR with a dotted line to the Financial Controller. The role has the primary responsibility for preparing the annual salaries budget as well as day to day management of the school’s payroll, staff pay records, and pay and benefits matters. This will include liaising with the external payroll partners (e.g. payroll bureau and pension providers) during the month as well as managing pay and benefits related communications and administration with staff.
Key Responsibilities:
- Calculating and processing school staff's salaries and benefits accurately and on time and ensuring all pay related changes are accurately reflected in the monthly payroll.
- Ensuring compliance with UK tax, pension, finance and employment laws applicable to school staff and ensuring all payroll related annual returns/declarations and required reconciliations are submitted by due dates.
- Keeping detailed and accurate records of payroll transactions for auditing purposes and future reference.
- Overseeing staff benefits such as pensions, maternity/paternity pay, private healthcare, death in service, income protection, contractual sick pay, salary exchange schemes and other staff benefits.
- Addressing pay and pension related queries from staff and resolving any issues related to payroll discrepancies.
- Reviewing recruitment requisitions and new appointment requests in line with staff budgets and proposing appropriate salaries based on internal and external benchmarks.
You:
- A formal payroll qualification.
- A relevant degree or equivalent level qualification, preferably in finance or business management.
- 5-10 years payroll experience within large organisations where multiple pay scales and conditions of employment exist including managing defined contribution and defined benefit pension schemes.
- Familiarity with payroll software and systems used in schools to manage payroll processes efficiently.
- A solid understanding of UK employment law, taxation and regulatory requirements related to payroll.
- Ability to manage budgets and financial records related to payroll expenses.
Benefits:
- 25 days off paid time off each year plus bank holidays.
- Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution.
- Abingdon Foundation Death in Service Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Private healthcare insurance.
- Flexible working from home may be available.
- Free use of leisure facilities with discounted exercise classes.
- Free lunches during term time.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Christmas closure days.
- Discounted school fees (eligibility criteria apply).
- Regular staff social events and opportunities to join other staff.
- Free on-site parking and bike storage for all staff.
- A range of online and in-person courses to staff for free including first aid, mental health first aid and health and safety courses.
We aim to ensure that our staffing at all levels and in all roles is diverse and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community. Abingdon is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
Closing date: 3 November 2025 9am
Interview date: Tuesday 11 November 2025
To submit your application for this Payroll Manager opportunity, please click Apply now!
Payroll Manager in Oxford employer: Abingdon School
Contact Detail:
Abingdon School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Manager in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll and finance sectors. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of UK employment law and payroll systems. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role at Abingdon School.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; follow up! A quick email to express your enthusiasm after submitting your application can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for more opportunities and resources. We’re here to help you land that Payroll Manager role and make your job search smoother!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Manager in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in payroll management and compliance with UK laws. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role at Abingdon School and how your background makes you the perfect fit. We love seeing personality in applications!
Showcase Your Qualifications: Don’t forget to mention your formal payroll qualifications and any relevant degrees. We’re keen on candidates who have solid educational backgrounds that align with the responsibilities of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Let’s get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Abingdon School
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge, especially UK tax laws and pension regulations. Be ready to discuss how you've handled payroll discrepancies in the past and any software you've used.
✨Showcase Your Experience
With 5-10 years of payroll experience required, highlight specific examples from your previous roles. Talk about managing multiple pay scales and how you ensured compliance with employment laws.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life payroll situations. Think about how you'd handle staff queries or resolve payroll issues, and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the school. Inquire about their payroll systems or how they manage staff benefits, which will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the position.