At a Glance
- Tasks: Support payroll services for education clients, ensuring accurate and timely payments.
- Company: Join Juniper Education, empowering educators to shape future generations.
- Benefits: Competitive sick pay, enhanced leave, 24/7 GP access, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in education while developing your payroll expertise.
- Qualifications: 2 years payroll experience, strong customer focus, and excellent communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic remote work environment with opportunities for career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Welcome to Juniper Education, where our mission is to champion educators, empowering them to shape future generations. We are more than just a support system; we are the driving force that propels schools and Academy Trusts to new heights. With our proven school education management systems and services, we address a spectrum of needs, ensuring excellence in education.
Our mission statement says it all: We look after you, so that you can look after our children.
Dedicated to our core values, we are committed to:
- Empowerment: Equipping everyone with the tools, intelligence, connections, and freedom to make informed decisions, recognised and respected by all.
- Purpose: Supporting everyone to reach their highest potential, thereby enabling all children to achieve theirs.
- Passion: Because we love what you do, you’re at the heart of everything we do.
- Innovation: Delivering meaningful solutions with expertise and creative thinking to influence the ever-changing world of education.
- Collaboration: The cornerstone of our success as it enables us to collectively harness diverse perspectives and strengths, ensuring that together, we achieve more than we could ever do alone. Every voice counts!
We are looking for a Payroll Specialist to join our team and support the efficient delivery of our payroll bureau services for a portfolio of education clients. In this role, you will ensure staff are paid accurately and on time, monthly reporting is delivered, and all statutory and year-end payroll returns are completed in line with HMRC requirements.
You will play a key role in supporting payroll administrators, managing client relationships, and helping to continuously improve payroll processes across our bureau.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in delivering accurate and timely payroll services for education clients
- Process payroll documentation, maintain payroll records, and prepare payment files for BACS
- Produce pre-payroll, month-end, year-to-date reports, and payslips securely for clients
- Act as first-line support for payroll bureau administrators, resolving complex payroll queries
- Serve as a point of contact for client account management, liaising with school bursars and business managers
- Ensure pensions administration (auto-enrolment, re-enrolment, opt-in/out) is processed accurately
- Maintain and update payroll software and client databases, ensuring enhancements are implemented timely
- Ensure all RTI submissions and year-end returns are completed in line with HMRC guidelines
- Identify and implement process improvements in consultation with the Payroll Manager
- Provide guidance and training to payroll administrators as required
- Liaise with external agencies such as HMRC, unions, and other third parties
- Participate in projects and professional development opportunities to maintain up-to-date payroll knowledge
About You
- Minimum of 2 years’ payroll experience with a strong understanding of PAYE, NIC, and statutory payments
- Full payroll lifecycle experience
- Strong customer focus with excellent communication skills
- Team player, approachable, and proactive
- CIPP qualification desirable
- Experience in education payroll desirable
- Advanced Excel skills
Interview process
1st stage Interview
We are committed to a fair and comfortable recruitment process, so if you require any reasonable adjustments during your application or interview process, please reach out to a member of the team at recruitment@junipereducation.org
Juniper Education Benefits
- Day 1 right to company sick pay
- Enhanced annual leave entitlement
- Opportunity to purchase additional leave
- Entitlement to carry over leave to next entitlement year
- Day 1 access to 24/7 GP & prescription services
- Day 1 access to rewards platform
- Cycle to work scheme
- Enhanced maternity & adoption pay
- Day 1 access to employee assistance platform
- Funded development/Qualification opportunities
- Voluntary health care cash plan
- Voluntary private medical insurance
- Plus more!
Please note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship at this time.
Applications to be submitted by midnight 18th February 2026.
Payroll Specialist Payroll Bureau · Remote, Head Office - Chelmsford · employer: Juniper Education Group
Contact Detail:
Juniper Education Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Specialist Payroll Bureau · Remote, Head Office - Chelmsford ·
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education and payroll sectors. You never know who might have a lead on that perfect Payroll Specialist role at Juniper Education.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Brush up on your knowledge of PAYE, NIC, and statutory payments. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show you're the right fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your Excel skills! If you’ve got advanced Excel abilities, make sure to highlight them during your conversations. It’s a key part of the job, and we love seeing candidates who can handle it.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll be one step closer to joining us in making a positive impact on education.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Specialist Payroll Bureau · Remote, Head Office - Chelmsford ·
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Specialist role. Highlight your payroll experience, especially with PAYE and NIC, and any relevant qualifications like CIPP. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about education and how you can contribute to our mission. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Customer Focus: In your application, emphasise your strong customer focus and communication skills. We value team players who can build relationships with clients, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
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 makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Juniper Education Group
✨Know Your Payroll Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of PAYE, NIC, and statutory payments. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you have a solid understanding of the payroll lifecycle, which is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Customer Focus
Prepare examples of how you've provided excellent customer service in previous roles. Since this position involves liaising with school bursars and business managers, demonstrating your strong communication skills and approachability will set you apart.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions about payroll software and Excel skills. Brush up on any specific software mentioned in the job description and be prepared to discuss how you've used advanced Excel functions in your past work.
✨Highlight Your Team Spirit
This role requires collaboration with payroll administrators and other team members. Think of instances where you've worked effectively in a team, resolved conflicts, or contributed to process improvements, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.