At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll processes, resolve discrepancies, and liaise with employees on payroll queries.
- Company: Join Science Group plc, a leading international science and technology consultancy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and benefits package in a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a team that drives innovation and supports employees with their payroll needs.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail, strong maths skills, and experience in high-volume payroll processing.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 β¬ per year.
Who we are
Science Group plc is an international science and technology consultancy and systems organisation operating at the cutting edge of science and technology innovation. The core business is an international science and technology consultancy providing technical/scientific advisory, product development and regulatory services to the Industrial, Defence.
Responsibilities:
- Collecting and summarising inputs which is then passed to the external payroll provider.
- Receiving the reports back and collating into various review spreadsheets through pivot tables.
- Comparing and reviewing the data to previous months, identifying and resolving any discrepancies.
- Leading a payroll review meeting with Senior Finance Managers and HR to run through payroll changes.
- Liaising directly with employees on various payroll questions.
- Maintaining payroll operations by following policies and procedures.
- Being proactive and transparent by raising errors to the correct individuals and driving the solutions.
- Managing other payroll providers in EU (Germany, Spain).
- Responding to employee payroll queries and escalating to HR when necessary.
- Managing and completing adhoc payroll processes (such as out of payroll payments).
- Developing ad hoc financial and operational reporting as needed.
- Assisting the wider Finance team outside of peak payroll activity.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise:
- Must have great attention to detail, a solid grasp of mathematics, alongside excellent organisational and communication skills.
- A high degree of professionalism and discretion as will be handling sensitive information.
- Capable of working effectively and efficiently under pressure in a fast-moving environment, being resilient and proactive.
- Open to identifying process improvements by being solution orientated.
Experience:
- Demonstrates previous experience processing high volume monthly payroll.
- Good understanding of the UK PAYE legislation and how to calculate deductions such as overpayments, maternity, sickness payments, tax and NI.
- Experience using various calculation methods needed within payroll (i.e. pro-rating holiday, pro-rating salaries, sick pay, pensions and bonuses).
- An analytical approach to resolving problems and finding effective solutions.
- Advanced skills with Microsoft Excel (including pivot tables).
Benefits:
We offer a competitive salary and benefits package.
Payroll Officer employer: Sagentia Defence
At Science Group plc, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Cambridge. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous professional development opportunities and a collaborative culture that values innovation and teamwork. With a competitive salary and benefits package, we ensure our Payroll Officers are well-supported while contributing to cutting-edge science and technology projects.
StudySmarter Expert Adviceπ€«
We think this is how you could land Payroll Officer
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the finance and payroll sectors. You never know who might have a lead on a job or can put in a good word for you.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common payroll-related questions. Brush up on UK PAYE legislation and be ready to discuss your experience with high-volume payroll processing.
β¨Tip Number 3
Show off your Excel skills! Be prepared to demonstrate your ability with pivot tables and other advanced functions during interviews. Itβs a key part of the role, so letβs make sure they see your expertise.
β¨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing applications come directly from candidates who are excited about joining us at Science Group plc. It shows initiative and enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Officer
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Officer role. Highlight your experience with payroll processing, attention to detail, and any relevant software skills. We want to see how your background fits with what we do!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about the role and how your skills align with our needs. Be sure to mention your understanding of UK PAYE legislation and any process improvements you've implemented.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves resolving discrepancies and managing payroll data, make sure to highlight your analytical approach in your application. Share examples of how you've tackled similar challenges in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. Itβs the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sagentia Defence
β¨Know Your Numbers
As a Payroll Officer, you'll need to demonstrate your solid grasp of mathematics. Brush up on key calculations like PAYE deductions, maternity pay, and sick pay before the interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that youβre ready for the role.
β¨Excel Skills are Key
Since advanced Excel skills are crucial for this position, make sure you can talk about your experience with pivot tables and other functions. Maybe even prepare a quick example of how you've used Excel to solve a payroll issue in the past.
β¨Attention to Detail Matters
Highlight your attention to detail during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've identified discrepancies in payroll data or improved processes. This will show that you take accuracy seriously, which is vital in payroll management.
β¨Be Proactive and Solution-Oriented
Employers love candidates who can think on their feet. Be ready to discuss a time when you faced a payroll challenge and how you proactively resolved it. This will demonstrate your resilience and problem-solving skills, which are essential in a fast-paced environment.