At a Glance
- Tasks: Support payroll processing and ensure employees are paid accurately and on time.
- Company: Join the SKA Observatory, a dynamic international organisation.
- Benefits: Training provided, ongoing development, and a chance to work in a collaborative environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with international payroll across multiple countries.
- Why this job: Gain valuable payroll experience while making a difference in an innovative team.
- Qualifications: Eager learners with strong communication skills and attention to detail are welcome.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
The Payroll Assistant will support the SKA Observatory (SKAO) Payroll Accountant to ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time, and that SKAO meets its legal and regulatory requirements pertaining to payroll. This role will be focused on the payroll in SKAO’s Headquarters country (UK) but has the potential to offer the opportunity to gain experience of payroll in our two host countries (Australia and South Africa). The SKAO payroll in each country continues to grow; current employee numbers are approximately 220 across the three locations, with the UK payroll being the largest with approximately 170 employees. All employees are paid on a monthly salary basis. Previous payroll experience is not essential. If required, SKAO will provide training to the successful candidate at the start of their employment, with ongoing development opportunities available thereafter. This role would therefore suit a candidate who is eager to learn and has a strong interest in developing their skills and knowledge in payroll processing.
The role will work closely with the SKAO HR and Finance teams, as well as with our outsourced payroll providers to prepare and review the payroll calculations for the UK, to post the related accounting journals and to perform balance sheet reconciliations for payroll and employee benefits. The Payroll Assistant will also be responsible for calculations relating to employee benefits, calculating, tracking and monitoring annual allowances, and acting as one of SKAO’s administrators for supplier portals for employee benefits. SKAO’s status as an international organisation adds some interesting nuances to our payroll set up, and the ideal candidate will need to be able to think creatively as well as applying their previous or newly-learned payroll knowledge and experience.
The Payroll Assistant needs to be an enthusiastic team player, able to learn new concepts quickly, a great communicator with strong attention to detail and the ability to work to strict deadlines. The role is based at the SKAO Headquarters at Jodrell Bank, Cheshire, UK.
Payroll Assistant employer: Big Science Sweden
The SKA Observatory (SKAO) is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and offers a supportive work culture at its Headquarters in Jodrell Bank, Cheshire. With a commitment to training and ongoing growth opportunities, SKAO fosters an environment where individuals can thrive while contributing to innovative international projects. Employees enjoy the unique advantage of gaining diverse payroll experience across multiple countries, making this role both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Assistant
✨Utilise University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, your first stop should be the career services at your school. They often have partnerships with local businesses, including companies like Big Science Sweden, which can open doors for entry-level HR positions.
✨Get Involved in HR Communities
Join communities related to human resources on platforms like LinkedIn or Facebook. Engage in discussions, share insights, and connect with HR professionals. Some of these groups might even have job postings specifically looking for entry-level candidates!
✨Attend Job Fairs and Networking Events
Keep an eye out for job fairs, especially those focusing on HR roles. Events at universities or local chambers of commerce can be goldmines for entry-level positions. Don't forget to come prepared with a few great questions to impress recruiters from companies like Big Science Sweden!
✨Showcase Your Personality
In HR, personality and culture fit are key. When you get the chance, maybe through informal chats or interviews, let your genuine self shine through. After all, you're in the business of people, and companies like Big Science Sweden want to see that you fit into their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Assistant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, it’s all about connecting with people! Make sure your CV highlights any experience where you’ve dealt with others, whether it’s through previous jobs, volunteering, or even group projects in uni. This shows that you’re not just about the paperwork, but are also eager to interact and engage with those around you.
Tailor Your Language:Using the right buzzwords can make a big difference. Sprinkle in phrases like 'conflict resolution', 'team dynamics', or 'employee engagement' in your application. This will show that you understand the HR world and that you’re ready to dive into the complexities of human relationships in the workplace.
Express Your Eagerness to Learn:As an entry-level candidate, highlight your motivation to grow in the HR field. In your cover letter, mention your interest in learning about recruitment processes, employee development, or workplace culture. Employers want to see that you’re ready to soak up knowledge and contribute to their team.
Research Company Culture:Take the time to understand the HR culture at Big Science Sweden. In your application, reflect on their values and mission, showcasing how you align with them. This adds a personal touch and shows that you’ve done your homework, making your application stand out even more!
How to prepare for a job interview at Big Science Sweden
✨Show Your People Skills
In HR, people skills are key, so be ready to chat about your past experiences working with teams or managing conflicts. Share examples that really highlight your emotional intelligence and ability to empathise with others—this will impress those interviewers at Big Science Sweden.
✨Brush Up on HR Tech Tools
Familiarise yourself with popular HR software like BambooHR or Workday, because you might get asked about your experience with tools that help manage employee data. Even as an entry-level candidate, showing you're proactive about learning the tech aspects can set you apart at Big Science Sweden!
✨Be Prepared to Discuss Policies
Expect questions about HR policies, especially those related to recruitment and employee relations. Give thoughtful answers that demonstrate your understanding of HR practices, and don’t shy away from discussing how you'd approach certain scenarios—this shows you're ready to dive into the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Eagerness to Learn
Since this is an entry-level role, make sure you convey your motivation and willingness to learn. Talk about any relevant coursework or volunteer experiences that have prepared you for a career in HR. Showing a genuine desire to grow within the industry can leave a positive impression on the interviewers at Big Science Sweden.
