At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll for 800 employees, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
- Company: Established organisation in Preston focused on collaboration and employee wellbeing.
- Benefits: £38,000 salary, flexible hours, 25 days leave, and great perks.
- Other info: Potential for career progression to supervisory roles within 12-18 months.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and grow your payroll skills with future managerial opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll, knowledge of UK legislation, and strong organisational skills.
Your new company is a well-established and growing organisation based in Preston, offering a stable and supportive working environment. The business places real emphasis on collaboration, employee wellbeing, and delivering high-quality services, with payroll recognised as a key function within the wider finance and HR teams. They are now seeking an experienced Senior Payroll Officer to join their team on a full-time and permanent basis, based from their offices in Preston.
In your new job as Senior Payroll Officer, you will take full responsibility for the end-to-end payroll process for approximately 800 employees, ensuring they are paid accurately and on time. The first 12 months of your role will be very 'hands on', where you will be responsible for processing a high volume of manual timesheets, managing starters and leavers, calculating PAYE, National Insurance, pensions and statutory payments, submitting RTI reports to HMRC, producing payslips and year-end documentation, and resolving payroll queries while working closely with internal stakeholders. Within the next 12 months, the Finance Manager is very keen to implement a new payroll system and as the Senior Payroll Officer, you will be working closely with her to decide on and implement an effective T&A system, giving you the opportunity to progress and develop your payroll skills further. Given the expected growth plans, they expect this to lead into a Supervisory/Managerial level position by mid 2027 with the opportunity to hire an additional member of staff. This is a full-time role, based from their offices, 5 days a week.
To succeed, you will have proven end-to-end payroll experience in a fast-paced environment, alongside a strong understanding of UK payroll legislation, including PAYE, National Insurance, and pensions. You will be confident using payroll systems and Excel, with excellent attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to meet deadlines. Strong communication skills and a proactive approach are essential, and while a CIPP qualification would be advantageous, it is not essential. You will have a desire to progress and further your career in Payroll, ideally with the plans to move into a Supervisor/Manager role in the next 12-18 months.
In return, you will receive a salary of £38,000 alongside an excellent and competitive benefits package. You will be working 37.5 hours per week, with flexibility on start and finish times, on-site working, and 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays. You will also benefit from a workplace pension with employer contributions, access to wellbeing support such as employee assistance programmes and additional perks.
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 in Preston employer: Hays Senior Finance
Join a well-established and growing organisation in Preston that prioritises collaboration, employee wellbeing, and high-quality service delivery. As a Senior Payroll Officer, you will enjoy a supportive work culture with opportunities for professional growth, including the chance to implement new payroll systems and advance into supervisory roles within a few years. With competitive benefits, flexible working hours, and a focus on employee development, this company is an excellent employer for those seeking a meaningful career in payroll.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Payroll Officer in Preston
✨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 Senior 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 in Preston
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 Senior 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 Senior 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 Senior 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 Senior 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 Senior 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 Senior 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.
