Payroll Officer

Payroll Officer

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage payroll processes and support finance functions in a busy team.
  • Company: Join a dynamic finance team focused on accuracy and efficiency.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive work environment, and opportunities for growth.
  • Why this job: Be a key player in ensuring payroll accuracy and compliance.
  • Qualifications: Experience in payroll, strong numeracy, and excellent IT skills required.
  • Other info: Flexible, team-oriented atmosphere with room for improvement and innovation.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are seeking a highly organised and detail-focused Payroll and Accounts Officer to join a busy finance team. This role is responsible for delivering accurate and timely in-house payroll and pension administration in line with statutory requirements, while also providing broader support across accounts functions. The successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring payroll accuracy, handling payroll queries, producing reports, and supporting the wider finance team with reconciliations and accounts administration.

Key Responsibilities

  • Payroll & Pensions
  • Manage the monthly payroll process using a computerised payroll system, including new starters, leavers, contract changes, sickness absence, holiday pay, and statutory payments.
  • Liaise closely with HR colleagues to ensure payroll data is accurate and processed on time.
  • Administer Statutory Sick Pay (SSP), Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP), and Statutory Paternity Pay (SPP), providing guidance to staff as required.
  • Submit accurate monthly RTI returns.
  • Complete monthly payroll reconciliations.
  • Respond to staff queries relating to pay, tax, and National Insurance.
  • Maintain accurate manual and electronic payroll records.
  • Administer pension and other benefits schemes.
  • Prepare P60s and P11Ds.
  • Communicate with external agencies including HMRC and pension providers.
  • Prepare pay-related correspondence when required (e.g. annual pay changes).
  • Support payroll and pensions audits.
  • Keep up to date with payroll and pensions legislation.
  • Accounts
    • Provide support and cover across finance functions including fees, purchase ledger, and management accounts.
    • Set up and manage BACS and direct bank payments.
    • Process banking and reconciliations.
    • Prepare and reconcile additional charges.
    • Build and maintain positive relationships with customers and suppliers.
    • Review systems and processes and recommend improvement.

    Key Skills & Knowledge

    • Previous experience within a Payroll.
    • Excellent numeracy skills.
    • Strong administrative and organisational skills.
    • Excellent IT skills, particularly Excel.
    • Excellent attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
    • A proactive, flexible, and team-focused approach.

    We are unable to respond to all applications; if you have been successful, we will contact you within 7 days of your application.

    Payroll Officer employer: Lucy Walker Recruitment

    Join our dynamic finance team as a Payroll Officer, where you will enjoy a supportive work culture that values accuracy and collaboration. We offer competitive benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to employee development, all within a vibrant location that fosters innovation and teamwork. Be part of a company that prioritises your career progression while ensuring a fulfilling work-life balance.
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    Contact Detail:

    Lucy Walker Recruitment Recruiting Team

    StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

    We think this is how you could land Payroll Officer

    ✨Tip Number 1

    Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance world, especially those who work in payroll. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that might not even be advertised yet.

    ✨Tip Number 2

    Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your payroll knowledge. Be ready to discuss your experience with statutory payments and reconciliations. We want you to show off your skills and how you can contribute to the team!

    ✨Tip Number 3

    Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can keep you fresh in their minds. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in the role and the company.

    ✨Tip Number 4

    Apply through our website for the best chance of landing that Payroll Officer role. We love seeing applications come directly from our site, and it helps us keep track of all the amazing talent out there!

    We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Officer

    Payroll Administration
    Pension Administration
    Statutory Payments Management
    RTI Returns Submission
    Payroll Reconciliation
    Staff Query Resolution
    Manual and Electronic Record Maintenance
    P60 and P11D Preparation
    Communication with HMRC
    BACS and Direct Bank Payments Management
    Banking and Reconciliations Processing
    Numeracy Skills
    Organisational Skills
    IT Skills, particularly Excel
    Attention to Detail

    Some tips for your application 🫡

    Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in payroll and accounts. Use keywords from the job description to show we’re a perfect match for each other!

    Show Off Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; give examples of how you’ve used them in previous roles. We love seeing how you’ve tackled payroll challenges or improved processes!

    Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our finance team.

    Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates!

    How to prepare for a job interview at Lucy Walker Recruitment

    ✨Know Your Payroll Basics

    Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge before the interview. Understand key terms like SSP, SMP, and RTI returns. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also passionate about it.

    ✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail

    Since this role requires a keen eye for detail, prepare examples from your past experience where your attention to detail made a difference. Whether it was catching an error in payroll or ensuring compliance with regulations, these stories will highlight your suitability for the position.

    ✨Prepare for Common Payroll Queries

    Anticipate questions related to payroll queries you might face in the role. Think about how you would handle staff inquiries regarding pay, tax, or National Insurance. Demonstrating your problem-solving skills in these scenarios will impress the interviewers.

    ✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Legislation

    Stay updated on the latest payroll and pensions legislation. Being knowledgeable about current laws will not only help you answer questions but also show that you’re proactive and committed to staying informed in your field.

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