Payroll Officer in Colchester

We are seeking a detail-oriented and proactive Payroll Officer to join a busy payroll function supporting a large, multi-site workforce of approximately 15,000 employees. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced payroll professional to develop their career within a fast-paced and collaborative environment.

Working as part of a professional payroll team, you will play a key role in supporting the end-to-end payroll process through an outsourced payroll solution, ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time while maintaining compliance with all relevant legislation and internal controls.

• Process employee starters and leavers accurately and efficiently.
• Validate payroll output from time and attendance systems, resolving exceptions and managing approval processes.
• Calculate and process statutory payments including sickness, maternity, paternity and adoption pay.
• Process and validate manual payroll adjustments in accordance with approved pay rules.
• Administer court orders and statutory deductions, liaising with relevant authorities where required.
• Support pension administration, including auto-enrolment activities.
• Administer and reconcile salary sacrifice schemes and employee benefit deductions, investigating and resolving discrepancies.
• Calculate and process out-of-cycle payments, ensuring accurate recovery and reconciliation.
• Resolve payroll queries from managers, administrators and employees in a timely and professional manner.
• Process and recover payroll overpayments, escalating issues where necessary.
• Assist with year-end payroll activities and statutory reporting requirements.
• Produce payroll-related correspondence and documentation.
• Prepare and deliver regular payroll KPI and management reporting.
• Support payroll activities associated with acquisitions, mergers, TUPE transfers and organisational integrations.
• Participate in payroll improvement initiatives, projects and ad hoc assignments as required.

You will be an organised and analytical payroll professional who thrives in a high-volume environment. You will have excellent attention to detail, strong communication skills and a commitment to delivering a high-quality service to internal stakeholders.

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Maths.
• Experience working within a high-volume payroll, finance or administration environment.
• Strong Microsoft Office skills, particularly Excel.
• Excellent numerical, analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• High levels of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Professional approach to handling confidential information.

• A Levels (or equivalent).
• Studying towards a recognised payroll qualification (e.g. CIPP).
• Experience supporting acquisitions, mergers or TUPE transfers.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Knowledge of payroll legislation and compliance requirements.
• Experience using payroll systems such as iTrent.

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Hybrid and flexible working opportunities.
• Career development and training support.
• Opportunity to work within a large-scale payroll operation.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Exposure to payroll projects, system improvements and organisational change initiatives.

If you are an experienced payroll professional looking to join a dynamic and growing organisation where you can make a real impact, we would love to hear from you.