Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll and HR processes, ensuring staff are paid accurately and on time.
- Company: Join Loretto School, a top independent school near Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous pension, enhanced holidays, free lunches, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and a commitment to equal opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in a supportive environment while developing your HR skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll processes and strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 15600 - 17100 £ per year.
Loretto School is one of Britain’s leading independent boarding and day schools located on the outskirts of Edinburgh. We are looking for an organised and detail orientated Payroll and HR Administrator to join our team.
Main Purpose of the Role
This is a key role responsible for overseeing and administering the accurate and timely delivery of payroll and pension services across the School. You will ensure that all staff are paid correctly and on time, and that statutory and regulatory obligations are fully met. You will also support the HR Team with recruitment and some routine employee changes.
Duties include:
- End-to-end processing of monthly payroll, including starters and leavers, contractual changes, overtime and additional hours/timesheets, pro-rata calculations and holiday pay calculations.
- Ensure compliance with latest legislation/rules which you will be expected to keep up to date with.
- Respond to payroll and pension queries in a timely, professional and helpful manner, escalating where necessary.
- Support with the recruitment process including advertising roles, arranging interviews and pre-employment checks.
Experience, Skills and Qualifications
- In-depth knowledge and experience of Payroll processes is essential.
- SCQF Level 5 in Maths and English (or equivalent) essential, with SQA Certificate in Payroll (SCQF Level 6) desirable.
- Able to plan, prioritise and organise workload to handle busy periods and meet all deadlines.
- Good attention to detail.
- Strong Excel skills.
- Excellent communication skills.
This is a part-time, permanent post working 21 hours per week over three days. Salary band in the region of £26,000 to £28,500 for full time. Actual salary based on 21 hours (0.6FTE) £15,600 to £17,100.
Benefits
- Generous pension scheme
- Enhanced holiday allowance
- Family friendly policies
- Free lunches during term time
- Annual review and opportunities for training and continued professional development
- Bike to work scheme
- School Fees Remission (non-contractual benefit)
- Opportunities for involvement in the wider school community
Application
If you think this is the right opportunity for you, please apply through the School Talent website. You will be asked to submit a CV and supporting statement as part of the application process. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact us. You must be able to provide evidence of having the right to live and work in the UK.
Closing Date: Tuesday 24 February 2026 at 11:59pm
The School is committed to equal opportunities for all its pupils and staff. Loretto is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Loretto meets the requirements in respect of exempted questions under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, all applicants who are offered employment will be subject to Disclosure Scotland Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme checks before the appointment is confirmed. This will include details of cautions, reprimands or final warnings, as well as convictions. The cost of this application will be met by the School. Annually, every member of staff at the School is required to undergo, complete, and sign to confirm that they have received child protection training and will uphold it.
Payroll and HR Administrator in Edinburgh employer: The Independent Schools Council
Contact Detail:
The Independent Schools Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll and HR Administrator in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Loretto School. Check out their website and social media to understand their values and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to payroll and HR processes. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! During the interview, be ready to discuss your Excel skills and any specific payroll software you've used. Bring examples of how you've handled payroll challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll and HR Administrator in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll and HR Administrator role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in payroll processes and HR support. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Be specific about your experience with payroll and compliance, and don’t forget to mention your attention to detail.
Show Off Your Excel Skills: Since strong Excel skills are essential for this position, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have with spreadsheets. If you've used Excel for payroll calculations or data management, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through the School Talent website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application. Plus, it ensures you’re following the correct process, which we really appreciate.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Independent Schools Council
✨Know Your Payroll Basics
Make sure you brush up on your payroll knowledge before the interview. Understand the end-to-end payroll process, including how to handle starters, leavers, and overtime calculations. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're well-prepared and knowledgeable.
✨Stay Updated on Legislation
Since compliance is key in this role, take some time to research the latest payroll legislation and regulations. Being able to mention recent changes or updates during your interview will demonstrate your commitment to staying informed and your ability to adapt to new rules.
✨Showcase Your Excel Skills
Excel skills are crucial for this position, so be ready to talk about your experience with spreadsheets. If possible, prepare examples of how you've used Excel in previous roles, such as managing data or performing calculations. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can handle the technical aspects of the job.
✨Prepare for HR Questions
Since you'll also support the HR team, expect questions related to recruitment and employee management. Think about your past experiences in these areas and be ready to discuss how you've handled recruitment processes or resolved employee queries. This will show that you're versatile and can contribute to the team beyond just payroll.