At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage high-volume payroll processing and resolve queries with effective communication.
- Company: Join BAE Systems, a leader in inclusive culture and diverse thought.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and extensive health and lifestyle perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic team while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll administration and strong attention to detail required.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth within a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 35000 £ per year.
Location: Preston. We offer a range of hybrid and flexible working arrangements – please speak to your recruiter about the options for this particular role.
Salary: £30,800
What you’ll be doing:
- Responsible for the accurate preparation and processing of high-volume complex Payrolls in line with SLA’s and HMRC legislation.
- Ensuring all data is processed accurately into the payroll system to agreed timeline.
- Supporting in ensuring all Payroll process documents are accurate and regularly updated, escalating any discrepancies or changes required.
- Responsible for resolving business, employee, and Third-Party payroll related queries, ensuring the most effective communication method is used.
- Responsible for identifying and taking relevant preventative action to minimise under/over payments.
- Supporting in the production of all RTI and year-end returns including P60’s, reconciliation of PAYE and NI deductions and Pension deductions.
- Prioritising own workload and using initiative and problem-solving capabilities to always provide a responsive Payroll Service.
Your skills and experiences:
- Essential: Payroll administrative background is essential, Attention to detail, IT Skills.
- Desirable: CIPP or Equivalent Payroll qualification, Knowledge and experience of UK Payroll, Payroll legislation knowledge.
Benefits:
As well as a competitive pension scheme, BAE Systems also offers employee share plans, an extensive range of flexible discounted health, wellbeing and lifestyle benefits, including a green car scheme, private health plans and shopping discounts – you may also be eligible for an annual incentive.
The Payroll team:
An exciting opportunity has arisen to be part of the large UK Payroll Team based at Preston. As a Payroll Administrator, you will look after all sectors within BAE. This is a broad role with lots of variety. This is a fantastic opportunity to build on existing skill sets and to work across a variety of key stakeholders at all levels within BAE.
Why BAE Systems?
This is a place where you’ll be able to make a real difference. You’ll be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity of thought, rewards integrity, and merit, and where you’ll be empowered to fulfil your potential. We welcome people from all backgrounds and want to make sure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible. If you have a disability or health condition (for example dyslexia, autism, an anxiety disorder etc.) that may affect your performance in certain assessment types, please speak to your recruiter about potential reasonable adjustments.
Please be aware that many roles at BAE Systems are subject to both security and export control restrictions. These restrictions mean that factors such as your nationality, any nationalities you may have previously held, and your place of birth can restrict the roles you are eligible to perform within the organisation. All applicants must as a minimum achieve Baseline Personnel Security Standard. Many roles also require higher levels of National Security Vetting where applicants must typically have 5 to 10 years of continuous residency in the UK depending on the vetting level required for the role, to allow for meaningful security vetting checks.
Closing Date: 19th February 2026. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
Payroll Administrator (Fixed term contract 18 months) in Preston employer: BAE Systems (New)
Contact Detail:
BAE Systems (New) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Administrator (Fixed term contract 18 months) in Preston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Payroll Administrator role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your payroll knowledge and UK legislation. Be ready to discuss your experience with high-volume payrolls and how you've tackled complex queries in the past. Confidence is key, so practice makes perfect!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for the latest Payroll Administrator openings at BAE Systems and tailor your application to show why you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be an asset to the payroll team.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Administrator (Fixed term contract 18 months) in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Administrator role. Highlight your payroll administrative background and any relevant IT skills. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for!
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires a keen eye for detail, don’t shy away from showcasing examples where you’ve demonstrated this skill. Whether it’s in your previous jobs or projects, we love to see how you’ve nailed accuracy in your work.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to resolving payroll-related queries. Make it easy for us to see why you’re the right fit!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to find all the details you need about the role and our company culture!
How to prepare for a job interview at BAE Systems (New)
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge, especially UK payroll legislation and processes. Be ready to discuss your previous experience with high-volume complex payrolls and how you've handled discrepancies in the past.
✨Show Off Your Attention to Detail
Since this role requires a keen eye for detail, prepare examples that showcase your ability to spot errors and ensure accuracy in payroll processing. You might want to mention specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference.
✨Be Ready for Customer Queries
As a Payroll Administrator, you'll be dealing with various queries from employees and third parties. Think of examples where you've effectively communicated solutions or resolved issues, highlighting your customer service skills.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare to discuss how you've prioritised workloads and used initiative in previous roles. Share specific scenarios where you identified potential issues and took preventative action to minimise under or over payments.