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- Tasks: Manage payroll, pensions, and financial administration in a busy school environment.
- Company: Join Sullivan Upper School, a respected grammar school with a supportive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent position, and a collaborative working environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic educational setting.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring staff are paid accurately and on time.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll and finance, strong attention to detail, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 31022 - 32597 £ per year.
Sullivan Upper School is seeking an experienced and highly organised Payroll and Finance Officer to join our Finance team. This is a key role supporting the Finance Manager and school leadership in delivering accurate, compliant payroll, pensions, and financial administration.
You will play a vital role ensuring staff are paid correctly and on time, while supporting wider financial operations in a busy school environment.
Sullivan Upper School is a well-established grammar school with a strong reputation for academic excellence, high standards, and a supportive community ethos. We offer a collaborative working environment where staff are valued, supported, and play an important role in the success of the school.
Key Responsibilities- Payroll & Pensions
- Process monthly and substitute teacher payrolls accurately and on time
- Maintain employee records (starters, leavers, changes, deductions)
- Calculate statutory payments (SSP, SMP, arrears, allowances)
- Administer pensions, deductions and HMRC submissions (RTI, FPS/EPS)
- Manage NILGOSC and NITPS pension returns
- Manage payroll related returns eg to Education Authority/CCEA
- Prepare payroll journals and reconciliations
- Support year-end payroll processes and reporting
- Finance & Administration
- Support collection of payments (eg school meals, trips etc) through use of ParentMail
- Support petty cash, cash receipts, supplier invoice processing, reconciliations and queries
- Assist with administration for Gift Aid, school trips, and other miscellaneous payment items (eg exams invigilators)
- Support cashless catering and financial record keeping
- General Duties
- Assist with audits and financial reporting
- Maintain accurate records and ensure GDPR compliance
- Provide administrative support when required
- Support system updates and process improvements
- Experience in payroll and financial administration essential
- Strong knowledge of payroll systems and HMRC compliance
- High level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Able to meet deadlines and manage workload effectively
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- Experience in a school or public sector environment (desirable)
- Highly proficient in handling confidential information
Sullivan Upper School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. The successful applicant will be subject to enhanced vetting checks.
Apply Today, Closing Date Wednesday 13th May at 12 noon.
Payroll and Finance Officer in Holywood employer: Sullivan Upper School
Contact Detail:
Sullivan Upper School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll and Finance Officer in Holywood
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector or finance world. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Sullivan Upper School and its values. Show us you understand our community ethos and how you can contribute to our finance team. Tailor your answers to reflect our mission!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to payroll and finance. We want to see your expertise shine, so be ready to discuss your experience with payroll systems and compliance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Sullivan Upper School.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll and Finance Officer in Holywood
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in payroll and financial administration. We want to see how your skills match the key responsibilities listed in the job description, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Payroll and Finance Officer role at Sullivan Upper School. Be sure to mention your attention to detail and organisational skills, as these are crucial for the position.
Showcase Your Compliance Knowledge: Since this role involves HMRC compliance and payroll systems, make sure to highlight any relevant experience or training you have in these areas. We love candidates who understand the importance of accuracy and compliance in financial operations!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sullivan Upper School
✨Know Your Payroll Basics
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge before the interview. Understand the key processes like calculating statutory payments and managing pension returns. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're well-prepared for the role.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
In a role where accuracy is crucial, be ready to provide examples of how you've maintained high standards in your previous work. Bring up specific instances where your attention to detail made a difference, especially in payroll or financial administration.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Compliance
Since compliance with HMRC regulations is a big part of the job, make sure you know the latest requirements. You could even mention any relevant experience you have with audits or GDPR compliance to demonstrate your understanding of the importance of these regulations.
✨Prepare Questions About the School Environment
Sullivan Upper School values a supportive community ethos, so think of questions that show your interest in their culture. Ask about how the finance team collaborates with other departments or how they handle busy periods. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also in being part of their community.