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- Tasks: Provide first-line HR support and manage payroll activities in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join one of the UK's fastest-growing accountancy firms with a rich history.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical insurance, and generous holiday package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting colleagues and enhancing their experience.
- Qualifications: HR administration experience and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
At S&W, we help our clients thrive by simplifying the complex, illuminating new paths, and shaping solutions that make a difference. As one of the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing accountancy firms, we have been a trusted partner since 1881—helping businesses and individuals meet challenges and seize opportunities across generations. Built on expertise and driven by ambition, we provide a comprehensive range of services, including tax and accountancy, advisory and assurance, corporate finance, and restructuring.
What will you be doing?
We’re seeking a talented individual to join our HR team in London on a 12 Month FTC, which is responsible for providing first‑line HR, payroll, and employee lifecycle support across the organisation, ensuring smooth operations and an excellent colleague experience.
Responsibilities:
- Delivering accurate, timely first‑line HR support to managers and colleagues, managing queries via the HR help centre across sickness, leave, onboarding, and general ER guidance.
- Handling all payroll‑related activity, including processing changes, submitting data to the payroll bureau, and supporting year‑end and tax requirements with strong attention to detail.
- Managing the full employee lifecycle, including issuing contracts/offers, conducting pre‑employment checks, processing starters and leavers on the HRIS, and overseeing the exit interview process and MI.
- Administering pensions and auto‑enrolment, liaising with providers and resolving colleague and financial queries on contributions.
- Overseeing comprehensive benefits administration, including PMI, risk benefits, childcare vouchers, Cycle to Work, season ticket loans, eye care vouchers and long‑service awards, ensuring timely joiner/leaver updates to providers.
- Support wider HR operations, including reward cycles (salary/bonus review), training coordination with L&D, general HRBP support, and contributing to process improvements and system enhancements.
Qualifications / Skills:
- HR administration experience with strong payroll knowledge and advanced Microsoft Office/Excel skills.
- Confident communication & strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively in a team‑focused environment.
- Adaptability and able to work at pace while managing changing priorities and working independently when needed.
- Strong organisational skills with high attention to detail and solid administrative capability.
- Commercial awareness within an HR context; professional services or finance background desirable.
- CIPD study interest and project management experience desirable, with a willingness to learn and support team development.
Additional Information:
- Competitive salary
- Private medical insurance
- Life assurance
- Pension contribution
- Hybrid working model (role dependent)
- Generous holiday package
- Option to purchase additional holiday
- Shared parental leave
- Cycle to work scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Eye care support
We are proud to value the differences that a diverse workforce brings, representative of society and our clients. At S&W we have a wide range of highly active employee resource groups and we’re delivering multiple diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives across the organisation. It is our commitment to provide a workplace where all colleagues, regardless of identity, background, or circumstance, feel respected as individuals and feel that they can achieve their full potential and work in a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment.
We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments to accommodate for your needs throughout the application process. Please let your Recruiter know.
HR Associate (12 Month FTC) in London employer: S&W
Contact Detail:
S&W Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land HR Associate (12 Month FTC) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at S&W on LinkedIn or through mutual connections. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching S&W’s values and recent projects. Show us how your skills align with our mission to simplify complex challenges and make a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common HR interview questions and scenarios. We want to see how you handle real-life situations, so think about examples from your past experiences that showcase your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace HR Associate (12 Month FTC) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the HR Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in HR administration and payroll, and don’t forget to showcase your strong organisational skills and attention to detail!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about HR and how your skills align with our mission at S&W. Keep it concise but engaging—show us your personality!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves first-line HR support, it’s crucial to demonstrate your confident communication abilities. Use clear and professional language in your application to reflect how you’d interact with colleagues.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at S&W
✨Know Your HR Basics
Brush up on your HR fundamentals, especially around payroll and employee lifecycle processes. Be ready to discuss how you would handle common HR queries and demonstrate your understanding of the role's responsibilities.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with colleagues and managers, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in resolving HR-related issues.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
Given the importance of accuracy in payroll and HR administration, be prepared to discuss how you ensure precision in your work. You might even want to bring along a sample of your previous work that highlights your attention to detail.
✨Emphasise Adaptability
This role requires managing changing priorities, so think of instances where you've successfully adapted to new challenges. Share specific examples that showcase your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment while maintaining quality.
