Payroll Administrator in Colchester

Payroll Administrator – Part-time / Hybrid

Location: Colchester, Essex

Salary: Up to £14,000 per annum (£35,000 FTE), depending on experience

Contract: Permanent, part-time

Hours: 16 hours per week, flexible working pattern

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Are you an experienced Payroll Administrator who enjoys taking ownership of payroll and making sure everything runs accurately and on time?

ISQ Recruitment are supporting an established international organisation in their search for a dependable Payroll Administrator to join their EMEA HR team. This role is primarily about strong payroll knowledge, excellent numerical accuracy and the confidence to manage multiple payroll processes and deadlines.

Working closely with HR, Finance, operational managers and external payroll providers, you will take responsibility for weekly and monthly payroll while also supporting HR systems, reporting and wider EMEA activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinating weekly payroll for hourly-paid employees and monthly payroll for salaried staff
• Supporting smaller international payrolls, including the Netherlands
• Processing starters, leavers, salary changes and benefits in kind
• Maintaining accurate employee and payroll information within Workday
• Producing regular payroll, HR and workforce reports
• Completing payroll reconciliations and resolving queries or discrepancies
• Maintaining strong payroll controls and supporting internal and external audits
• Working closely with HR, Finance, operational managers and external payroll providers
• Identifying opportunities to improve payroll processes and reduce manual administration
• Supporting wider EMEA compensation, HR and payroll projects

What We Are Looking For

• At least 2 years' hands-on payroll experience
• Strong numerical skills with excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Confident Excel skills and experience working with payroll data and reports
• The ability to manage deadlines and multiple payroll activities effectively
• Strong communication skills when dealing with employees, managers and external providers
• Experience using Workday or a similar HR/payroll system would be advantageous
• A CIPP Level 3 qualification, or working towards one, would be beneficial
• Experience with international payrolls or time-and-attendance systems would also be advantageous

Working Pattern & Benefits

• 16 hours per week with flexibility around the working pattern
• Hybrid working
• Annual bonus
• 6% employer pension contribution with 5% employee contribution
• Private medical insurance after probation, including dental and optical support and access to a 24/7 online GP
• Group Income Protection and Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance at 4x annual salary

Candidates looking for fewer hours with a more payroll-focused remit are also encouraged to apply.