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- Tasks: Ensure accurate and timely payroll services for education clients while supporting payroll administrators.
- Company: Join Juniper Education, a leader in empowering educators and enhancing learning experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, enhanced leave, health services, and professional development from day one.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on education while working in a supportive and innovative environment.
- Qualifications: 2+ years of payroll experience with strong customer focus and communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team dedicated to improving education for future generations.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Welcome to Juniper Education, where our mission is to champion educators, empowering them to shape future generations. We address a spectrum of needs with our proven school education management systems and services, influencing the lives of students and educators in the education and tech industry.
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 in Chelmsford employer: Juniper Education
Contact Detail:
Juniper Education Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Specialist in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Payroll Specialist 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 those interviews! Research Juniper Education, understand their mission, and think about how your skills align with their values. Practise answering common payroll-related questions and be ready to showcase your experience with PAYE and NIC.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining the Juniper Education team and making a difference in the education sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Specialist in 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 don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like CIPP. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for education and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention specific experiences that demonstrate your customer focus and problem-solving skills. Let us know why you’re excited about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love a good team player! In your application, highlight examples of how you've collaborated with others in previous roles. Whether it’s resolving payroll queries or working on process improvements, show us how you thrive in a team environment.
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 gives you a chance to explore more about our values and what we stand for at Juniper Education.
How to prepare for a job interview at Juniper Education
✨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 to Discuss Process Improvements
Think about any process improvements you've implemented in past jobs. Be ready to share specific examples of how you identified issues and made changes that enhanced efficiency, as this aligns with the company's commitment to innovation.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Values
Take some time to understand Juniper Education's core values: empowerment, purpose, passion, innovation, and collaboration. During the interview, relate your experiences to these values to demonstrate that you're a good cultural fit for the team.
