At a Glance
- Tasks: Process payroll accurately and on time while supporting the finance team.
- Company: Join CR Smith, a top-rated Scottish manufacturer known for quality and customer service.
- Benefits: Career progression, training, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Great opportunity for recent graduates eager to grow in finance.
- Why this job: Kickstart your finance career with hands-on experience in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Strong numerical skills and a willingness to learn; no prior payroll experience needed.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Your new company CR Smith is one of Scotland's leading manufacturing and installation organisations, specialising in high‑quality, energy‑efficient windows, doors, living space products and repair services. With customer experience at the heart of everything they do, CR Smith is proudly rated Excellent on Trustpilot with over 5,500 reviews and has been voted Best Company in the UK in its sector by Which.co.uk. Due to continued and significant business growth, CR Smith is expanding its Finance function and is now seeking a motivated Payroll Assistant to join its Head Office team in Dunfermline.
Your new role Reporting directly to the Payroll Manager, you will become a key member of the wider Finance and Payroll team, taking responsibility for the accurate and timely processing of weekly payroll for employees. This is a hands‑on role within a fast‑paced, office‑based environment, offering excellent exposure across payroll, finance and reporting activities.
Key responsibilities include:
- Collating and inputting payroll data to ensure employees are paid accurately and on time
- Maintaining accurate payroll and employee records within HR and payroll systems
- Ensuring compliance with HMRC regulations and Employment Law
- Responding to payroll queries from employees and managers in a professional and timely manner
- Preparing financial reports and metrics for managers and budget holders
- Supporting account reconciliations
- Assisting with ad‑hoc duties across the wider Finance team
This role offers an excellent foundation for career development within finance and payroll, with training and mentoring provided.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this Payroll Assistant position, you will demonstrate:
- Strong numerical and analytical skills with exceptional attention to detail
- Excellent organisational and time‑management abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or the ability to quickly learn new systems
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- The ability to handle confidential and sensitive information discreetly
- Previous payroll experience is not essential, as full training will be provided.
Applications are welcome from recent graduates or individuals with the right skill set and mindset who are eager to build a long‑term career within finance.
What you'll get in return
In return, you will join one of Scotland's leading brands, offering excellent career progression and long‑term development opportunities within a supportive and collaborative environment. This is an outstanding opportunity for someone looking to build a long‑term career within finance, contributing to a business committed to growth, service excellence, quality and safety.
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.
Payroll Assistant in Dunfermline employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Assistant in Dunfermline
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the finance and payroll sectors, especially those who work at CR Smith or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your payroll knowledge and understanding of HMRC regulations. We recommend practising common interview questions and even role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! If you have experience with Microsoft Excel or any payroll systems, be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've used them. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role and your attention to detail.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at CR Smith and ready to contribute to their growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Assistant in Dunfermline
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Assistant role. Highlight any relevant skills, especially those related to numerical and analytical abilities, as well as your attention to detail. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about joining CR Smith and how your skills align with the job description. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm for the role.
Show Off Your Tech Skills: Since proficiency in Microsoft Excel is key, mention any experience you have with spreadsheets or data management. If you're a quick learner, let us know that too! We appreciate candidates who can adapt to new systems easily.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our fantastic team at CR Smith.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Payroll Assistant, you'll be dealing with numbers all day. Brush up on your numerical skills and be prepared to discuss how you ensure accuracy in data entry. Maybe even bring an example of how you've handled payroll or financial data in the past, even if it’s from a project or coursework.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance
Understanding HMRC regulations and Employment Law is crucial for this role. Do some research on these topics before your interview. Being able to talk about compliance and its importance in payroll processing will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Show Off Your Excel Skills
Since proficiency in Microsoft Excel is key, make sure you can discuss your experience with it. If you’ve used Excel for data analysis or reporting, be ready to share specific examples. If you're not yet proficient, mention your willingness to learn quickly!
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential, especially when responding to payroll queries. Practice explaining complex information in simple terms. You might even want to prepare a few scenarios where you successfully resolved a query or issue in a previous role or during your studies.