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- Tasks: Support payroll processing and maintain data integrity while learning new systems.
- Company: Join a close-knit family of independent optical practices across the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, full training, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of an ambitious transformation in an award-winning business with a supportive culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll or finance administration and strong attention to detail.
- Other info: Great opportunity for growth into specialist roles within a vibrant team.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Joining the Hakim Group means becoming part of a close-knit family of independent optical practices across the UK and Ireland. A career here is one where empowerment, innovation and unwavering support create a truly fulfilling experience—a place where people feel valued, trusted and able to grow.
Our People & Payroll teams are central to that mission. Every colleague, every practice and every breakthrough we make is underpinned by accurate, timely and reliable payroll operations. We’re now looking for a Payroll & Systems Assistant to help us shape the future of payroll as we deliver our Payroll 2030 vision.
This role offers a competitive salary, hybrid working (4 days per week in our Darwen HQ), and the opportunity to develop into roles such as Payroll Advisor, Reporting Specialist or Technical Analyst.
You’ll also benefit from:
- Full training in iTrent, Sage and payroll compliance
- Development pathways supporting a long-term payroll career
- A vibrant, supportive culture focused on wellbeing and connection
- Access to our rewards portal with exclusive benefits
- The chance to be part of an ambitious transformation within an award-winning business
About the Role
This role is the technical and operational backbone of our Payroll & Benefits function. You’ll support monthly payroll cycles, maintain data integrity, and provide essential systems support across iTrent and Sage. As we modernise and streamline our processes, you will play a key part in ensuring accuracy, efficiency and exceptional colleague experience. You’ll help embed new practices, strengthen controls, and contribute to building a payroll function that is scalable, reliable and future-ready.
This is an excellent role for someone early in their payroll journey who wants to grow into a specialist career path while supporting one of the most important functions in the organisation.
Key Roles & Responsibilities
- Deliver accurate and timely payroll processing, including data preparation, validation and updates for starters, leavers and contractual changes.
- Maintain high-quality data and documentation, ensuring accuracy, audit readiness and strong record-keeping across all payroll inputs and systems.
- Provide systems support across iTrent and Sage, including running reports, supporting timesheet preparation, and assisting with system improvements and testing.
- Support core compliance and reporting activities, including P32s, FPS/EPS documentation, Government Gateway checks and payroll reconciliation tasks.
- Coordinate key team operations, such as dashboard updates, distribution lists, payroll communications, meeting support and maintenance of SOPs and calendars.
- Develop technical capability, building foundational payroll knowledge (tax, NI, pensions), enhancing Excel skills and contributing to ad-hoc analysis and continuous improvement.
Our Ideal Person
We’re looking for someone who brings accuracy, curiosity and a passion for getting things right:
- Experience in payroll, HR or finance administration
- Strong attention to detail with a methodical, quality-driven approach
- Intermediate Excel skills (lookups, validation, formatting)
- Excellent organisation and communication skills
- Desirable: Exposure to iTrent or Sage
- A willingness to learn and develop into a more technical payroll role
What’s Next?
Click apply now and a member of our recruitment team will be in touch.
Payroll & Systems Assistant in Darwen employer: Hakim Group
Contact Detail:
Hakim Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll & Systems Assistant in Darwen
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the Hakim Group on LinkedIn or other platforms. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Payroll & Systems Assistant role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your payroll knowledge. Familiarise yourself with iTrent and Sage, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the Payroll 2030 vision. Show us your passion for accuracy and efficiency!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for the job to come to you! Apply through our website and make sure to follow up with a friendly email to express your enthusiasm. A little persistence goes a long way in showing us you’re serious about joining the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your Excel skills during the interview. Bring examples of how you've used Excel in past roles, especially if it relates to payroll or data management. We love seeing candidates who are eager to learn and grow in their technical capabilities!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll & Systems Assistant in Darwen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Payroll & Systems Assistant role. Highlight any relevant payroll, HR, or finance experience, and don’t forget to showcase your attention to detail!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for payroll and how you can contribute to our team. Mention specific examples of your skills and how they align with our mission at the Hakim Group.
Show Off Your Excel Skills: Since intermediate Excel skills are a must, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have with Excel in your application. If you've done any data analysis or reporting, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our close-knit family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hakim Group
✨Know Your Payroll Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your payroll knowledge, especially around tax, NI, and pensions. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Familiarise Yourself with iTrent and Sage
If you have any experience with iTrent or Sage, make sure to highlight it. If not, do a bit of research on these systems. Understanding their functionalities can give you an edge and demonstrate your willingness to learn.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
Prepare examples from your past experiences where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was in payroll, HR, or finance, being able to illustrate this skill will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team dynamics, the Payroll 2030 vision, or how they support employee development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the company culture.
