At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the full payroll process and support the finance team.
- Company: Join a respected employer in Penryn with a friendly culture.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, competitive salary, and supportive environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of payroll and make a meaningful impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and strong organisational skills.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a dynamic setting.
Location: Penryn, Cornwall
Hours: 2–3 days per week (must be between Monday–Wednesday; flexible hours available)
Salary: £28,000 – £32,000 (pro rata, depending on experience)
Start: ASAP (interviews within the next two weeks)
Are you an experienced payroll professional looking for a flexible part-time role where you can take full ownership of the payroll function? Do you thrive in roles that require accuracy, independence and strong organisational skills? This could be an excellent long-term opportunity to play a key role in a well-established organisation.
Carrington Wood is delighted to be partnering with a respected employer near Penryn as they look to appoint a Payroll Officer. This is a crucial standalone position, perfect for someone who enjoys managing payroll end-to-end and making a meaningful impact within a friendly, supportive wider team.
What You’ll Be Doing:
- Managing the full end-to-end payroll process
- Preparing hours reports and collating timesheet information
- Inputting payroll data into Xero
- Producing employee payment lists
- Posting payroll journals into the accounts system
- Ensuring compliance with payroll legislation and internal controls
- Handling payroll queries and supporting the wider finance team where needed
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven experience running payroll independently
- Strong understanding of payroll processes and statutory requirements
- Experience using Xero (desirable but not essential)
- Excellent accuracy, attention to detail and organisational skills
- Relevant payroll qualifications are welcomed, but experience alone is equally valued
- Someone confident, reliable and able to take full ownership of the function
Why You’ll Love This Role:
- Flexible part-time working pattern (2–3 days, between Mon–Wed)
- Option to work shorter days (e.g., 9:00am–2:30pm across 3 days)
- Competitive pro-rata salary of £28,000 – £32,000
- Supportive and friendly working environment
- A role where you are trusted to own and improve the payroll process
Apply now for a confidential conversation about this Payroll Officer role in Cornwall.
Payroll Officer in Penryn employer: Carrington Wood
Contact Detail:
Carrington Wood Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Officer in Penryn
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company before your interview! Research their values, culture, and recent news. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of Payroll Officer and be ready to share specific examples.
✨Tip Number 3
Dress the part! Even if it’s a part-time role, looking professional can make a great first impression. Choose an outfit that reflects the company culture while still being smart and polished.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Officer in Penryn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Officer role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills, especially those related to payroll processes and Xero. We want to see how you can bring your unique flair to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this part-time position. Share your passion for payroll and how your organisational skills will help us thrive at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: As a Payroll Officer, accuracy is key. In your application, make sure to demonstrate your attention to detail. Whether it's through your CV formatting or the way you present your experience, we want to see that you take pride in your work!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply 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. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Wood
✨Know Your Payroll Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge before the interview. Understand the end-to-end payroll process, statutory requirements, and any specific legislation that might be relevant. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're the right fit for the role.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Xero
If you have experience using Xero, great! If not, take some time to learn the basics. Familiarity with the software can give you an edge, as it’s mentioned in the job description. Even if you don’t know it inside out, showing that you’re willing to learn can impress the interviewers.
✨Show Off Your Organisational Skills
Since this role requires strong organisational skills, think of examples from your past work where you successfully managed multiple tasks or projects. Be ready to share how you keep everything in order, especially when handling payroll data and compliance.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, how they handle payroll queries, or what improvements they’re looking for in the payroll process. It shows that you’re genuinely interested in the role and want to contribute positively.