PAYROLL AND PENSION COORDINATOR

PAYROLL AND PENSION COORDINATOR

Temporary 23305 - 25381 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage payroll operations and collaborate with finance and HR teams.
  • Company: Join Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools, a supportive and values-driven environment.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free lunches, sports club access, generous holidays, and professional development funding.
  • Other info: Part-time role with excellent career growth opportunities and a focus on community values.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in payroll while developing your skills in a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and proficiency in iTrent/MHR software required.

The predicted salary is between 23305 - 25381 £ per year.

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract – Part Time

Salary: Remuneration depends on skills and experience (range £23,305 to £25,381).

Working Hours: 21.75 hours per week (0.6 FTE).

Location: Edinburgh.

Closing Date: 19/06/2026.

Department: Finance.

Region / Division: ESMS.

Job Role: Operational/Professional Services.

Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools are recruiting a Payroll and Pensions Coordinator to join the team on a 6‑month temporary basis. The successful candidate will strengthen and embed payroll operations within an outsourced model. Responsibilities include payroll governance, data integrity, process design and improvements, and close collaboration with the Head of Finance, Finance Team, HR team, and internal and external stakeholders, including payroll and pension providers.

Qualifications

  • Experience in payroll and data management, and relevant pension or finance experience demonstrating professional competency.
  • Proficiency in iTrent/MHR HR software (essential).
  • Experience managing stakeholders, systems, and deadlines within a payroll environment.
  • Experience with outsourced payroll providers and SPPA pension scheme administration (preferred).
  • Strong communication, organisational, and IT skills; ability to multitask and work independently or as part of a team.
  • Commitment to high professional standards and continuous professional development.

Eligibility

ESMS is unable to sponsor international workers. Candidates must have an alternative right to work in the UK.

Values

Strong alignment with ESMS values of Kindness, Confidence, Resilience, Integrity, and Curiosity and behaviours consistent with school pillars of Ambition, Innovation, and Community.

Benefits

  • Fee remission from Nursery to S6
  • Free school lunches
  • Free Sports’ Club membership, including access to pool and fitness suites
  • Generous holiday allowance
  • Generous pension
  • Death in service benefit
  • Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity leave
  • Membership of the ESMS Discount and Benefits Scheme, including discounts at 130,000 retail and entertainment locations
  • Employee Assistance Service
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Car leasing salary sacrifice scheme
  • Annual professional review process
  • Regular salary reviews
  • Funding towards professional qualifications

PAYROLL AND PENSION COORDINATOR employer: ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools

Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises kindness, resilience, and professional growth. Located in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, employees benefit from generous holiday allowances, free school lunches, and access to sports facilities, alongside opportunities for continuous professional development and a commitment to work-life balance.

ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools

Contact Details:

ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land PAYROLL AND PENSION COORDINATOR

Join Financial Networking Events

Jump into local finance meetups and conferences — they’re a goldmine for temporary roles in banking and financial services. You can chat with industry professionals and even get leads on upcoming opportunities that might not be posted online yet.

Utilise Temp Agencies Specialised in Finance

Reach out to temp agencies that focus on the banking sector. They often have strong ties with various firms and can help you secure short-term gigs that can help beef up your CV and get your foot in the door at firms like ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools.

Connect with Alumni from Your Uni

Don't underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network. Many former students are working in banking and can help you find temporary roles or even offer mentorship. Reach out directly or attend alumni events to broaden your circle.

Stay Active on Job Boards and Company Websites

Keep your eyes peeled on job boards specifically for finance roles. Companies like ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools might post temporary positions directly on their sites, so make sure to apply there too. Set alerts to catch those roles the moment they go live!

We think you need these skills to ace PAYROLL AND PENSION COORDINATOR

Payroll Governance
Data Management
Pension Administration
iTrent/MHR HR Software Proficiency
Stakeholder Management
Process Design and Improvements
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Academic Achievements:In banking and financial services, your academic record can really make you stand out. List relevant grades, certifications, or coursework on your CV, especially if you've taken finance-related modules. This is particularly important for a temporary role where qualifications can help you shine even brighter!

Highlight Relevant Experience:If you’ve done any internships, part-time roles, or even coursework that aligns with banking or finance, make sure you include those! Showcase specific tasks where you used quantitative skills or analytical thinking, as this is what the hiring managers at ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools will be keen to see in your application.

Tailor Your Cover Letter Purposefully:When writing your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in a temporary position at ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools. Let them know how you can quickly adapt to the team's needs and how eager you are to learn the ropes of the banking sector during this short stint. Your motivation and enthusiasm could really set you apart!

Be Prepared with References:For temporary roles, references can play a crucial role in your application. Make sure you’ve got a couple of references lined up who can vouch for your skills and work ethic. This helps to give ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools confidence in your short-term commitment to the role.

How to prepare for a job interview at ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools

Brush Up on Financial Regulations

Since this is a role in banking and financial services, be ready to discuss key regulations like MiFID, Basel III, or GDPR. These are hot topics, and your awareness of how they impact daily operations can give you a significant edge during your interview with ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Prepare for interview questions that assess your analytical abilities. You might need to tackle hypothetical scenarios involving risk assessment or financial forecasting. Bringing examples of relevant projects or coursework can emphasise your practical understanding of these concepts.

Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability

For a temporary role, showing that you can quickly pick up new processes and tools is crucial. Be ready to discuss previous experiences where you had to adapt to changing requirements or tight deadlines, as this will reassure ESMS: Erskine Stewart's Melville Schools that you’re a reliable team player.

Demonstrate a Willingness to Learn

In a temporary position, leaning into your eagerness to learn can really set you apart. Be prepared to share how you’re staying updated on industry trends or any additional training you've pursued. Employers appreciate candidates who are proactive about their development—even for short-term roles.