Payroll Assistant in Potters Bar

Overview

Canada Life UK is transforming to create a more customer-focused business by providing payroll and related services for our UK and IOM operations. This role is a 12-month fixed-term contract based in Hertfordshire and involves processing all activities required to run the Canada Life payrolls, including monthly UK payroll, governance checks for the IOM outsourced payroll, UK modified payroll, and quarterly Director\'s payroll. The payroll scope covers approximately 1,500 employees, managed in the Employee Central Payroll (SAP SuccessFactors).

The role offers the opportunity to work alongside and learn from an experienced Payroll Lead.

Responsibilities

• Process all information needed to ensure successful monthly and quarterly payroll outputs, including permanent and temporary changes, starters, leavers, and third-party schemes (e.g., shares, pension deductions, spouse insurance, sports and social club deductions, car allowances) in line with the payroll processing calendar.
• Calculate manual adjustments for each payroll cycle (e.g., part-month deductions and pro-rated amounts) using the 260-calculation rule and verify calculations against HMRC where necessary to ensure accurate and consistent employee pay.
• Collate and process sickness and overtime information monthly; review payroll outcomes to identify and correct errors before payments are made.
• Run and check payroll reports (e.g., Employer Payroll Summary, Full Payment Submission) to ensure timely HMRC reporting and reconciliation of third-party payments, including monthly Revenue payments to HMRC.
• Process monthly BACs payments, ensure funds reach the bank on time for pay day, and perform general ledger postings and monthly reconciliations.
• Implement system and employee changes for tax year end, ensuring statutory payments increase in line with HMRC guidelines and producing end-of-year documentation (e.g., P60s).

What Experience Is Required

• Experience in a payroll environment; a CIPP qualification is desirable.
• Experience using SAP SuccessFactors is preferred but not essential.
• Good understanding of tax codes and payroll calculations (P45s, P46s, PIIDs, P60s) and HMRC payroll guidelines.

• Ability to explain complex and technical matters clearly to colleagues.

• Ability to work as part of a team to meet deadlines and maintain positive relationships with third parties to ensure payrolls run smoothly.

• Proactive problem solving with a clear definition of problems and proposed solutions.

• Fosters a learning culture and keeps up-to-date with changes in legislation and technology affecting the role.

Qualifications

• Minimum payroll qualification: CIPP (Certificate in Payroll Practice) or equivalent.
• Practical understanding of payroll systems.

Benefits Of Working At Canada Life

We offer a competitive salary and comprehensive reward package, including pension, bonus scheme, income protection, private medical insurance, life assurance, and ongoing personal and professional development.

How We Work At Canada Life

Our culture focuses on doing the right thing for our people, customers and community. We encourage curiosity, ownership, collaboration, and a clear path to outcomes. We invest in people, technology and workplaces, offering training, flexible working, and opportunities to grow and develop.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to building an inclusive workplace with a diverse workforce where everyone feels they belong and can achieve their potential. We actively focus on DEI and welcome flexible working arrangements where possible.