At a Glance
- Tasks: Support payroll processing and maintain accurate payroll data for a busy team.
- Company: Join a well-established business in Dyce or Peterhead with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Flexible 25-hour week, hybrid working, competitive salary, and 33 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for continuous improvement and career growth in a dynamic team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in payroll operations while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll, strong attention to detail, and proficiency in Excel.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 35000 £ per year.
Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment are working with a well‑established business based in Dyce or Peterhead to recruit a Payroll Assistant to their team on a part time basis (25 hours). You’ll play a key role in supporting a busy and complex payroll operation, contributing to accuracy, compliance and continuous improvement.
The Opportunity
Reporting into the Payroll Supervisor, you’ll join a team of three responsible for delivering payroll across multiple streams. Key responsibilities will include:
- Supporting end-to-end processing of weekly and monthly payrolls (c.1000 monthly and 80 weekly employees)
- Maintaining and validating payroll data, including starters, leavers, salary changes, deductions and benefits
- Processing statutory payments such as SSP, SMP and SPP
- Ensuring correct calculation of tax, National Insurance and pension contributions
- Supporting payroll reconciliations and pre-payment checks
- Assisting with HMRC submissions including RTI (FPS/EPS) and year-end processes (P60s, P11Ds)
- Responding to employee queries in a timely and professional manner
- Supporting pension administration, including auto-enrolment compliance
- Maintaining payroll records in line with GDPR and audit requirements
- Liaising with HR and Finance to ensure data accuracy and resolve discrepancies
Alongside this, you’ll contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, supporting a culture of efficiency and process enhancement across the payroll function.
Background and Experience
We’re keen to speak with candidates who:
- Have experience working within a payroll function
- Have a good understanding of UK payroll legislation and processes
- Have strong attention to detail and high levels of numerical accuracy
- Are confident using Excel and payroll systems
- Can manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Communicate effectively and handle queries professionally
- Take a proactive, organised and team-oriented approach
Desirable:
- CIPP qualification (or working towards)
- Experience with Access People XD
- Exposure to high-volume or multi-site payroll environments
- Knowledge of pension auto-enrolment and payroll reporting
Flexibility & Benefits
- 25-hour working week with flexibility on how hours are structured
- Hybrid working with a base in either Dyce or Peterhead
- Salary up to £35,000 (pro rata)
- 33 days Annual Leave
- Discounted gym membership
Payroll Assistant (Part Time) employer: Hutcheon Mearns Ltd
At Cooper Parry Finance Recruitment, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values employee contributions. With flexible part-time hours and the opportunity for hybrid working in the vibrant locations of Dyce or Peterhead, we ensure our Payroll Assistants enjoy a healthy work-life balance while benefiting from professional growth opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave and discounted gym membership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Assistant (Part Time)
✨Connect with Campus Reps
If you're looking for part-time work in banking, try to connect with your university's career services and campus representatives from banks. They often host recruitment events or provide exclusive job listings, which can give you a leg up in the application process.
✨Get Involved in Financial Societies
Join finance or investment clubs at your university. These societies not only provide fantastic networking opportunities but also often collaborate with financial institutions for internships or part-time roles, making it easier for us to land those positions.
✨Use LinkedIn for Hidden Gems
Keep an eye on LinkedIn for part-time opportunities at banks, specifically targeting roles like customer service or administrative support. Companies like Hutcheon Mearns Ltd often post openings there first, so be on the lookout and don’t forget to engage with their content!
✨Showcase Your Skills Directly
When applying for a part-time role, consider creating a simple portfolio that highlights your finance-related skills or projects. Whether it's a personal finance blog, a financial analysis you've done, or any relevant coursework, having this ready can impress hiring managers at Hutcheon Mearns Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Assistant (Part Time)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In the banking and financial services world, it's all about numbers. Highlight any relevant coursework, grades, or certifications, like AAT or CFA, on your CV. If you can point to specific projects or tasks where you managed finances or analysed data, that's a big plus!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Us:When writing your cover letter, don’t just reiterate your CV. Tell us why you want to work at Hutcheon Mearns Ltd and how this part-time role fits into your career goals. Map your skills and experiences directly to the job spec, and don’t forget to weave in any technical skills you have, like experience with financial software!
Marry Experience with Availability:Since this is part-time, it’s super important to state your availability clearly in your application. Highlight any previous work experience, even if it's not directly in finance, that shows your reliability and ability to juggle various commitments. Flexibility can be a real asset!
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While you want to keep a professional tone, don’t be afraid to inject a bit of your personality into your application. Especially for a part-time role, we’re looking for someone who's not just skilled but also a good fit for the team at Hutcheon Mearns Ltd. A little light-heartedness can go a long way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hutcheon Mearns Ltd
✨Brush Up on Your Numbers
For a role in banking and financial services, you’ll likely encounter numerical tests that gauge your analytical skills. So, let’s whip out those maths skills! Practise mental arithmetic and get comfy with basic financial concepts; this'll really help you shine during the assessment stages.
✨Know Your Financial Products
Knowing your stuff about the various financial products and services is crucial. Be prepared to discuss topics like loans, mortgages, investment funds, and credit options. Having a finger on the pulse of current market trends and economic events can also give you an edge—the interviewers will appreciate your insight!
✨Flexibility and Commitment are Key
Since you're aiming for a part-time position, emphasise your flexibility and willingness to commit your time effectively. Highlight your ability to balance studies or other commitments while delivering results at work. This kind of attitude can set you apart from the competition.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio of Experience
Even though it’s a part-time role, companies want to see your motivation and past experience. Bring examples of relevant projects or roles, including internships or coursework that demonstrate your understanding and passion for banking and finance. The more tangible your examples, the more convincing you’ll be!
