At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage end-to-end payroll processes and support financial activities in a collaborative team.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the higher education sector with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, generous leave, hybrid working, and free meals.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and additional benefits like discounted travel schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in payroll while enjoying a flexible and dynamic work environment.
- Qualifications: Strong payroll experience, attention to detail, and excellent interpersonal skills.
About the role
Seeking a permanent Senior Payroll Officer to join an organisation within the higher education sector, managing the end-to-end payroll function. Reporting directly to the Accountant and supporting a small, collaborative team. You will play an important role in ensuring the smooth and accurate running of payroll processes and wider financial activities. The role suits someone who enjoys detailed work, values accuracy, and thrives in a structured, deadline-driven environment. The working pattern will be between 8.30/9.00 am and 5.00/5.30 pm, with a 30-minute lunch.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage payroll processes end-to-end, including data input, statutory submissions, and posting payroll costs to the nominal ledger.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure all employee changes are accurately reflected in payroll.
- Process overtime, statutory payments and payroll-related deductions, including loans and benefit schemes.
- Administer HMRC requirements, including tax code updates, P45s, P60s, and student loan deductions.
- Prepare and submit pension contributions, including auto-enrolment processes.
- Act as the first point of contact for payroll and pension queries, maintaining professionalism and confidentiality.
- Reconcile payroll control accounts and prepare financial postings.
- Raise invoices related to payroll cost recharges and support financial processes across the team.
- Assist with broader finance duties such as purchase ledger processing, bank reconciliations, and income recording when required.
- Provide support during busy periods and cover key finance tasks in the absence of colleagues.
What you'll need to succeed
- Strong payroll experience
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to meet recurring deadlines
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a professional approach when dealing with stakeholders
- A flexible and collaborative mindset, with willingness to support wider team responsibilities
- Background working in the higher education sector
- Experience using Mercury accounting software is desirable.
What you'll get in return
- Competitive annual salary ranging from £35,000 - £40,000, dependent on experience
- Additional annual bonus of £3,000, paid monthly
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days (including bank holidays) with additional leave awarded after long service
- Hybrid Working available
- Additional benefits include; free meals during working hours, access to on-site fitness facilities, and discounted travel schemes (e.g. bus, rail, and cycle-to-work).
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Senior Payroll Officer employer: Hays Accounts and Finance
Join a dynamic and supportive team within the higher education sector as a Senior Payroll Officer, where your meticulous attention to detail will be valued. Enjoy a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and unique benefits such as free meals and on-site fitness facilities, all while contributing to an environment that fosters collaboration and professional growth. With hybrid working options and a commitment to employee well-being, this organisation is dedicated to creating a rewarding workplace for its staff.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Payroll Officer
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Hays Accounts and Finance. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Payroll Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Hays Accounts and Finance.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Hays Accounts and Finance's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Accounts and Finance
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Hays Accounts and Finance.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Hays Accounts and Finance will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Hays Accounts and Finance employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.
