Payroll Officer

Experience - Previous experience in a similar role within hospitality and working with Tronc. JKS Restaurants are seeking a Payroll Officer to join their team. The successful candidate will be friendly, personable and passionate about all things food and drink. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Payroll Officer looking for a new role in an award winning, critically acclaimed group.

The Role

Reporting to the Financial Controller, the Payroll Officer will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of payroll processing, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and efficiency so every employee gets paid correctly and in a timely manner. This role requires strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of payroll principles, and exceptional attention to detail. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in payroll administration, hospitality experience and excellent communication skills.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Proven experience as Payroll Officer/ Assistant or similar role in hospitality working with Tronc
• Previous experience working with S4 labour preferable
• In-depth knowledge of payroll processes, regulations and compliance standards
• Essential understanding of HR policies and processes related to Payroll
• Great attention to detail and able to maintain high level of accuracy in their work
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Proven ability to work in a fast‑paced environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments
• High level of integrity and ability to handle confidential information with discretion

Key Responsibilities

• Execute end‑to‑end monthly payroll processing
• Ensure all payroll changes in salaries and tronc are up to date
• Prepare and analyse tronc notes and spreadsheets
• Assist with end of payroll reporting
• Process court orders and make corresponding deductions
• Ensure accurate recording and management of holidays and absences

Reporting and Analysis

• Ensure rotas are completed on a weekly basis and help prepare weekly staff costs reports
• Reconcile monthly payroll to weekly rotas, providing analysis behind the variances to the Finance Team for monthly management reporting
• Report to management on payroll issues and changes
• Prepare and maintain monthly tronc reports
• Liaise with HR and Operations teams regarding any ad hoc payroll changes and deductions
• Ensure accurate generation of reports such as P60s, P45s, etc

Audit and Reconciliation

• Work with the Financial Controller to first design and implement, then conduct regular internal audits to ensure accuracy in payroll records
• Reconcile discrepancies and collaborate with relevant departments to resolve issues promptly

Compliance Management

• Ensure statutory payments are processed correctly and compliance with all payroll tax regulations
• Stay up-to-date on UK payroll and tax law changes
• Help implement the new tronc legislation policy and assist with monthly reports and queries from employees
• Assist with preparation of P11Ds
• Assist with ONS surveys and HMRC queries
• Maintain compliance with National Minimum Wage Legislation
• Maintain records to comply with auditors and government legislation

Communication and Support

• Serve as the key point of contact for payroll‑related queries from employees
• Offer managers guidance and assistance in understanding payroll policies and procedures
• Administer S4 and Paycircle HR and Payroll systems
• Liaise with external providers to maintain positive relationships

Benefits & Culture

Our team is the most important part of our business, translating our passion for genuine hospitality to our guests every day. We are proud to work with industry‑leading talent and recognise the importance of offering our teams the tools, guidance and experience necessary to build confidence and grow. We encourage you to bring your whole self to work and celebrate the skills and characteristics that make you unique. Your commitment to be kind and work hard comes with a range of benefits such as:

• Up to 50% off dining across JKS Restaurants
• Discounted Gym Membership
• Wagestream – stream your pay earlier
• Company Donations for your involvement with Charities
• Employee Assistance Program
• Access to Financial Advice
• A personalised learning & development plan to develop your skills and knowledge
• Career progression with a fast-growing, critically acclaimed restaurant group.
• Additional holiday for every year with us (rising to 33 days)
• Employee referral scheme - paying up to £600 per referral