Payroll Assistant in Rayleigh

Accounts & Payroll Assistant

Department

Finance

Reports to

Accounts Manager

Location

Rayleigh, Essex

Hours

Part Time – 25 hours per week (Monday to Friday, 5 hours per day, with flexibility for the right candidate)

Kinect Services is an award‑winning provider of specialist transport and care services across the East of England.

We support local authorities, schools, healthcare providers and private clients by delivering safe, reliable and person‑centred services.

As our business grows, we need a highly organised and proactive Accounts & Payroll Assistant to join our Finance team.

This varied role combines payroll, accounts administration and purchasing support, offering an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working with numbers and delivering high‑quality service.

Job Purpose

Working closely with the Accounts Manager, the Accounts & Payroll Assistant will provide efficient and accurate support across the accounts, payroll and purchasing functions.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, process‑driven and detail‑oriented, ensuring that payroll, financial administration and purchasing activities are completed accurately, efficiently and on time.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll
• Prepare and process the Company’s monthly payroll accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Calculate pay for full‑time, part‑time, term‑time and casual employees.
• Process starters, leavers and contractual changes.
• Administer statutory payments including SSP, SMP, SPP and other statutory entitlements.
• Process PAYE, National Insurance and workplace pension deductions.
• Prepare and submit payroll information to HMRC through Real Time Information (RTI).
• Produce payroll reports and supporting documentation.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and employee payroll files.
• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies.
• Respond to payroll queries from employees in a professional and timely manner.
• Prepare payroll journals and assist with payroll reconciliations.
• Support year‑end payroll activities including P60s and other statutory reporting.
• Ensure payroll activities comply with current legislation and Company procedures.
• Accounts
• Process purchase invoices accurately and promptly.
• Raise sales invoices where required.
• Reconcile supplier statements and resolve invoice queries.
• Assist with payment runs.
• Support bank reconciliations.
• Assist with credit control activities where required.
• Maintain accurate financial records within the accounting system (ideally Xero).
• Assist with month‑end finance processes.
• Produce reports and management information as requested.
• Provide day‑to‑day administrative support to the Accounts Manager.
• Purchasing
• Raise purchase orders in accordance with Company procedures.
• Coordinate purchasing requests from across the business.
• Liaise with suppliers regarding orders, pricing and deliveries.
• Monitor outstanding purchase orders and deliveries.
• Resolve purchase order and invoice queries.
• Maintain supplier records and documentation.
• Assist with ordering office supplies, uniforms, PPE and operational resources.
• Support supplier administration and onboarding where required.
• Identify opportunities to improve purchasing processes and achieve value for money.
• General Administration
• Maintain accurate records and electronic filing systems.
• Respond to finance and payroll enquiries professionally and confidentially.
• Assist with audit requests and financial documentation.
• Produce reports, spreadsheets and documentation as required.
• Support continuous improvement by identifying opportunities to improve finance and payroll processes.
• Provide administrative support to the wider business when required.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential

Qualifications

GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths (Grade 4/C or above); payroll, finance, bookkeeping or accounting qualification, or equivalent practical experience.

Experience

Previous experience working within a payroll, accounts or finance environment; processing financial transactions accurately; using payroll software and accounting software (ideally Xero); good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.

Knowledge

Understanding of payroll processes and UK payroll legislation; knowledge of HMRC requirements; understanding of purchase ledger processes; awareness of financial controls and confidentiality.

Skills & Competencies

Exceptional attention to detail; highly organised with excellent time‑management skills; process‑driven; excellent numerical and analytical skills; strong communication and interpersonal skills; independent and team player; maintain confidentiality; proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel; proactive and willing to learn.

Desirable

• AAT qualification (or working towards).
• Experience of end‑to‑end UK payroll.
• Experience within an SME environment.
• Experience of purchasing or procurement administration.
• Experience supporting month‑end finance processes.
• Knowledge of workplace pension administration.
• Personal Attributes
• Takes pride in delivering accurate, high‑quality work.
• Is naturally organised and enjoys keeping systems and records up to date.
• Works methodically and pays close attention to detail.
• Enjoys working within structured processes and helping to improve them.
• Is dependable, reliable and takes ownership of responsibilities.
• Builds positive working relationships with colleagues, suppliers and stakeholders.
• Remains calm under pressure and can prioritise competing demands.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and discretion at all times.
• Has a positive, proactive attitude and enjoys working collaboratively as part of a team.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• 28 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays), pro‑rata.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Programme (where applicable).
• Free on‑site parking.
• Friendly and supportive working environment.
• Opportunity to develop and grow within a successful and expanding organisation.

Why Join Kinect Services?

At Kinect Services, we’re passionate about making a positive difference to the people and communities we support.

As part of our Finance team, you’ll play an important role in ensuring the business operates efficiently while supporting our continued growth.

This is a varied and rewarding role where you’ll have the opportunity to develop your knowledge across payroll, accounts and purchasing, working closely with an experienced Accounts Manager in a supportive and collaborative environment.

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