At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payrolls for clients, ensuring accuracy and compliance with UK legislation.
- Company: Join a progressive firm that values teamwork and personal growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working policy, 25 days leave, and a contributory pension scheme.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and inclusion in a culture where everyone belongs.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in payroll while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with payroll systems and strong numerical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The Peterborough office are looking for an experienced Payroll Associate to join our successful and growing team on a maternity cover basis, with cover required from approximately August 2026 for 10 months.
The candidate will be allocated their own portfolio of clients, processing multiple payrolls and the role will involve:
- Process all payrolls from start to finish
- Starters, Leavers and Permanent data changes
- Process variable data from clients
- Manage multiple deadlines for variable data and managing clients throughout their pay cycle
- Report processing and sending to clients
- Liaise with client and dealing with salary queries
- Completing monthly pension returns
- Dealing with queries from the client and HM Revenue & Customs
- Processing and calculating statutory payments such as SMP, SSP etc.
- Manually calculating pro-rata payments such as holiday pay, hourly/daily rates of pay etc.
- Keeping abreast of new legislation, supporting the team implement new procedures
- Ad hoc tasks as required
You will have the chance to grow, as well as receive managerial support, and you can expect your responsibilities to increase throughout your time with us. You will work in a friendly and progressive environment, building up your knowledge on all the intricacies of payroll including tax, national insurance, auto enrolment, holiday pay, maternity/paternity/adoption, sick pay and more. You will also learn the different ways that someone can be paid through salary, hourly pay, overtime, commission, benefits, shares and salary sacrifice.
There are currently eleven members of the Saffery LLP payroll team. This consists of a senior payroll manager, payroll manager, three assistant managers and six team members that range from trainee up to senior associate. There is a real focus on development within the team, with the aim being for staff to develop their careers long term within the firm. Alongside a commitment to client service, and excellence in their work, there is a willingness to help each other and succeed as a team.
We offer accounting, audit and assurance, business advisory, tax and VAT services, as well as payroll services acting for businesses and individuals both in the UK and internationally. The portfolio of clients held within the office range from AIM listed clients, large corporate groups to landed estates, with key specialisms in owner managed businesses, property, private wealth and professional practices. Our staff work regularly and closely with their colleagues in our national offices to provide a seamless service to clients, wherever they are located.
You should have:
- Good working knowledge of payroll systems and Microsoft Excel.
- Good understanding of UK payroll legislation including tax, NI, pensions, and statutory payments.
- Excellent numerical skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and work under pressure.
- Strong communication skills for liaising with clients and resolving queries.
- High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information.
A 35 hour working week and a hybrid working policy with a minimum of 2 days in the office (our core hours are 10-4). Excellent benefits including; contributory pension scheme, 25 days annual leave, Life Assurance cover and great flexible benefits and family friendly policies, Eligibility for the firm's Profit-Sharing Plan. Paid in December.
Equality, diversity and inclusion is a top priority for us. With our ED&I strategy, Everyone Belongs, we are building on our positive work culture and implementing initiatives to improve diversity and strengthen our equitable culture of inclusion, led from the top. We hope you will apply to us, whatever your background, ethnicity, gender, age, sexuality, disability or neurodivergence, because individual differences equal collective strength. Built on values of excellence, integrity, enthusiasm and collegiality, Saffery is where Potential meets Personal.
Payroll Associate - Maternity Cover - 10 Month FTC in Peterborough employer: Saffery
Saffery LLP is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and progressive work environment in Peterborough for Payroll Associates. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a contributory pension scheme and flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to equality and inclusion, Saffery LLP fosters a culture where individual strengths contribute to collective success. Join a dedicated team that values collaboration and excellence, while providing opportunities for meaningful career growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Associate - Maternity Cover - 10 Month FTC in Peterborough
✨Get Your Foot in the Door with Temp Agencies
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✨Network at HR Events and Workshops
Dive into local HR events, workshops, and seminars. These are great opportunities to meet professionals already in the field and might lead to temporary positions. Be sure to have a chat, exchange contacts, and express your interest in on-the-spot opportunities!
✨Showcase Your Flexibility
In the temporary HR world, being adaptable is key. When you're networking or interviewing, highlight your ability to quickly learn and fill diverse roles, from recruitment to employee onboarding. Make it clear that you’re ready to dive in at any time!
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out the opportunities at Saffery and apply directly via our website. This way, you can express your interest in temporary roles and get ahead in the application process!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Associate - Maternity Cover - 10 Month FTC in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your People Skills:In HR, showcasing your interpersonal skills is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you have dealing with talent management, resolving conflicts, or facilitating workshops. We want to see your ability to connect with others!
Tailor Your CV to HR:Use HR-specific language in your CV and cover letter. Mention any specific HR tools, software, or methodologies you’re familiar with, like ATS systems or performance management frameworks. This will show that you’re not just a good fit, but you've got the know-how to back it up!
Emphasise Your Flexibility:Since this is a temporary role, emphasising your adaptability and willingness to learn quickly is crucial. Include examples of how you've successfully jumped into new environments before or handled sudden changes in previous jobs. We love a team player who can hit the ground running!
Availability Matters:In your application, make sure to clarify your availability and commitment to the temporary position. This will help us understand when you can start and how you fit into our plans at Saffery. So, don’t be shy about laying it all out there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Saffery
✨Showcase Your Adaptability
Given that this is a temporary HR role at Saffery, it's crucial to demonstrate your flexibility and ability to adapt quickly. You might be thrown into new projects or systems, so share examples of how you've successfully navigated changes in past roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with HR Tools
Many HR positions require familiarity with tools like HRIS or ATS systems. Before the interview, brush up on the specific software that Saffery uses—if you see any mentioned in the job posting, make sure you're ready to discuss them and your experience with similar tools.
✨Your Motivation Matters
As a temp, it's essential to convey your motivation for this role. Employers often look for candidates who are not just filling a position, but who are genuinely keen on contributing effectively in a short period. Consider sharing why you’re passionate about HR and how you see yourself adding value at Saffery.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
HR interviews often include situational questions that test your problem-solving skills. Think about common HR challenges, like dealing with conflict or managing onboarding efficiently, and prepare to discuss how you would handle these situations at Saffery.
