Payroll Administrator

Our client is a well-respected business with close to 2,000 employees. We are looking for an experienced Payroll Administrator who can work as part of a team to handle the business's payroll requirements. This is a full-time permanent position and the hours are 8:30am-5:30pm Monday to Friday (40 hour working week). Details of the position are as follows: Person Specification Essential - Proven experience in payroll administration or a similar role. - Strong knowledge of payroll processes, including statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP, etc.). - Understanding of payroll year-end processes including P60s, P11Ds, and P45s. - Good understanding of UK PAYE, National Insurance, and HMRC reporting requirements. - High level of accuracy and attention to detail. - Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel. - Ability to handle confidential information with discretion. - Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet strict deadlines. - Good communication skills, both written and verbal. - Ability to work effectively as part of a team. Desirable - Experience using payroll software (e.g., iTrent, Sage, or similar). - Experience working in a multi-site or large business environment. - Knowledge of pension auto-enrolment processes. - Experience liaising with HMRC and other third-party providers. - Awareness of GDPR and data protection compliance within payroll. Main Accountabilities and Responsibilities Payroll Processing & Compliance - Accurately process monthly payroll in line with company deadlines, ensuring compliance with HMRC and statutory requirements. - Collate, review, and input data for new starters, leavers, overtime, expenses, bonuses, and other payroll exceptions. - Submit payroll files to MHR and manage the validation process, resolving discrepancies before final submission. - Prepare and submit BACS payments, PAYE, and payroll certificates, ensuring all approvals are in place. - Maintain awareness of legislative changes impacting payroll and statutory payments. Pensions & Benefits Administration - Administer pension auto-enrolment, opt-ins, opt-outs, and re-enrolment cycles for all brands. - Produce pension letters and upload to colleague records, ensuring regulatory compliance. - Manage colleague benefit data (private health care, group income protection, life assurance) and liaise with providers on updates and renewals. - Produce accurate reports to support gender pay gap submissions, P11D reporting, and other statutory filings. Reporting & Data Management - Maintain accurate and confidential payroll and HR records to support audits and reporting requirements. - Spot-check payroll monthly and provide findings to the HR Manager. - Update and share bonus eligibility and absence reports with Finance and HR teams. - Liaise with HMRC and other external agencies regarding tax codes, statutory payments, and compliance queries. Colleague Support - Act as the first point of contact for payroll and benefit queries, resolving issues promptly and professionally. - Provide guidance to colleagues on statutory pay entitlements including maternity, paternity, and SSP. - Support HR colleagues with payroll-related processes to ensure a seamless colleague experience. Skills, Experience and Behaviours - A-Levels or equivalent (Degree in Accounting or related field preferred). - Minimum 1 years' experience in a payroll role, ideally in a multi-site environment. - Strong numerical aptitude and attention to detail, with experience using Excel (formulas, reporting). - Knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory reporting requirements. - Excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines. - Able to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally. What Success Looks Like - Payroll is processed accurately and on time every month, with no missed deadlines. - Colleague queries are resolved efficiently, maintaining trust and confidentiality. - Statutory reporting and compliance requirements are met consistently. - HR and Finance colleagues have accurate and timely payroll data for decision-making. Benefits Package - Up to c£36k basic salary (depending on experience) - 25 days holiday (+8 bank holidays) - Group bonus scheme - Enhanced pension scheme (5% employer, 3% employee) - Employee assistance programme If you are experienced within Payroll and looking for your next challenge, please apply now