At a Glance
- Tasks: Process high-volume payroll for over 15,000 employees and 7,000 contractors.
- Company: Join a large, complex organisation in the education sector.
- Benefits: Competitive hourly rate, weekly pay, paid annual leave, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Immediate start available with excellent career exposure.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a fast-paced, detail-driven payroll environment.
- Qualifications: Strong payroll experience and knowledge of tax compliance required.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 35000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced payroll professional looking for a fast‑paced, high‑volume role where technical accuracy and compliance really matter? This is an opportunity for a Payroll Officer (High Volume / Transactional) to join a large, highly complex organisation within the education sector, operating a nationally significant payroll function.
As a Payroll Officer, you will be part of a centralised payroll team supporting a very high‑volume workforce, ensuring accurate, compliant, and timely processing of all pay‑related transactions. This Payroll Officer role sits within a fast‑paced, detail‑driven environment where precision, compliance, and strong technical payroll knowledge are essential.
The Payroll Officer will be supporting a payroll service responsible for processing over 15,000 employees and approximately 7,000 contractors each month, making this a truly high‑volume, transactional payroll environment where strong legislative understanding and attention to detail are critical.
What will you be doing as a Payroll Officer?
- Processing high‑volume payroll transactions across a workforce of over 15,000 employees and approximately 7,000 contractors
- Supporting end‑to‑end payroll processing including starters, leavers, contract changes, and pay adjustments
- Ensuring accurate setup of payroll records for all employee types including salaried staff, casual workers, and contractors
- Managing complex payroll activity including absence‑related pay (sickness, maternity, paternity, adoption, sabbaticals, and career breaks)
- Calculating and processing statutory payments including PAYE, National Insurance, SSP, SMP, and other legislative requirements
- Acting as a first point of contact for payroll queries from employees and managers, providing accurate and timely responses
- Investigating and resolving payroll discrepancies, escalating complex issues where required
- Ensuring all payroll activity is fully compliant with current tax legislation and organisational procedures
- Working collaboratively within a large payroll team to meet strict deadlines and maintain accuracy under pressure
- Using payroll systems (experience with ResourceLink is highly beneficial but not essential)
We would love to hear from you if you have the following skills and experience:
- Strong payroll experience in a high‑volume, transactional payroll environment
- Solid technical knowledge of payroll legislation including PAYE, NI, SSP, SMP and wider tax compliance requirements
- Experience processing end‑to‑end payroll including starters, leavers, and contract changes
- Confidence working with large datasets and high‑volume payroll cycles
- Ability to work accurately to tight deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
- Strong communication skills with the ability to handle payroll queries professionally
- Experience using payroll systems (experience with ResourceLink would be highly advantageous)
What will you get in return for your work as a Payroll Officer?
- Immediate start available
- 4‑week temporary assignment
- 35 hours per week
- Hourly rate: £15.19ph – £16.93ph (depending on experience)
- Weekly pay
- Paid annual leave (accrued)
- Hybrid working available following initial training period
- Opportunity to work within a large‑scale, high‑volume payroll operation
- Exposure to complex, compliance‑driven transactional payroll processing in a structured team environment
Payroll Officer in Manchester employer: Jobwise
Join a leading organisation in the education sector as a Payroll Officer, where you will thrive in a dynamic and detail-oriented environment. With a commitment to employee growth, we offer hybrid working options, competitive pay, and the chance to be part of a large-scale payroll operation processing over 15,000 employees monthly. Our collaborative culture ensures that your contributions are valued, making this an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Officer in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the payroll industry and let them know you're on the hunt for a Payroll Officer role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge of payroll legislation. Be ready to discuss your experience with high-volume payroll processing and how you've tackled compliance challenges in the past. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for opportunities that match your skills as a Payroll Officer, and make sure to tailor your approach to each role.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for their payroll team.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Officer in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Officer role. Highlight your experience in high-volume payroll environments and any specific payroll systems you've used. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:In your application, don’t forget to mention your understanding of payroll legislation like PAYE and National Insurance. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate their technical accuracy and compliance knowledge.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially since you'll be handling payroll queries. Show us you can communicate effectively right from the start!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobwise
✨Know Your Payroll Legislation
Brush up on your knowledge of payroll legislation, especially PAYE, National Insurance, and statutory payments like SSP and SMP. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the compliance aspects crucial for the role.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Prepare examples from your past experience where your attention to detail made a difference in payroll processing. Highlight situations where you identified discrepancies or ensured accuracy under tight deadlines, as this is key in a high-volume environment.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Payroll Systems
If you have experience with ResourceLink or similar payroll systems, be ready to discuss it. If not, do some research on how these systems work and be prepared to explain how you would adapt to new software quickly.
✨Practice Handling Payroll Queries
Think about common payroll queries you’ve encountered and how you resolved them. During the interview, you might be asked how you would handle specific scenarios, so having a few examples ready will demonstrate your communication skills and problem-solving abilities.
