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- Tasks: Manage payroll processes and HR information systems to ensure accuracy and compliance.
- Company: Join the Sir John Brunner Foundation, a leading Multi-Academy Trust with a rich educational legacy.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while developing your payroll and HRIS expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience with HRIS and strong analytical skills are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a values-driven organisation focused on enhancing students' lives.
The predicted salary is between 31537 - 34434 £ per year.
Salary Grade 7 – SCP 18 to SCP 23 - £31,537 TO £34,434 (FTE)
Contract type: 37 hours per week, Full-Year (Negotiable) - Permanent
Start date: May 2026
About Us
This is an exciting time to be joining the Sir John Brunner Foundation. Our Multi‑Academy Trust educates more than 4,300 children and young people and employs over 450 professionals. Each of our four good and outstanding academies operates at the heart of their local community.
Our mission is to enhance students’ lives through the highest standards of education underpinned by our Trust values of Excellence, Belonging and Partnership. The Sir John Brunner Foundation has a proud legacy of educational excellence dating back to 1557. We remain firmly focused on children, providing a first‑class experience that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and joy in learning. In working with our communities, we create an environment where every child feels valued, safe, and supported to reach their potential.
About The Role
Reporting to the HR Manager, the Payroll & HRIS Officer plays a key role in delivering accurate, compliant and efficient payroll, pensions and HR information services across the Foundation. This is a varied role with responsibility for overseeing the outsourced payroll provider, ensuring payroll is processed accurately and on time for all staff groups, and acting as the main point of contact for payroll and pensions queries.
The post holder will also be responsible for the effective management of the HR Information System (HRIS), ensuring employee records are accurate, secure and maintained to a high standard. You will produce regular and ad‑hoc reports, analyse data to identify trends and risks, and support audits between HR and payroll systems to maintain data integrity.
Working closely with colleagues in HR and Finance, the role requires strong attention to detail, a logical approach, and the ability to interpret legislation, policies and guidance. You will supervise the Payroll & HRIS Assistant, supporting their day‑to‑day work and ongoing development, while ensuring the function remains compliant with legislation and best practice.
Your Responsibilities
- Oversee the outsourced payroll provider and ensure payroll is processed accurately and on time for all staff groups.
- Act as the main point of contact for payroll and pensions queries.
- Manage the HR Information System (HRIS) – keep employee records accurate, secure and maintained to a high standard.
- Produce regular and ad‑hoc reports, analyse data to identify trends and risks.
- Support audits between HR and payroll systems to maintain data integrity.
- Supervise the Payroll & HRIS Assistant, supporting day‑to‑day work and developing the team.
- Ensure compliance with legislation and best practice across payroll, pensions and HRIS functions.
What We Are Looking For
- Experience managing an HRIS, building queries and reports.
- Computer literacy, with proficiency in HRIS.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to collate and present data.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Experience with payroll and pensions processes (preferred).
Equal Opportunity Statement
The Sir John Brunner Foundation is an equal opportunities employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or any other protected characteristic. The successful applicant must hold an enhanced DBS disclosure and satisfactory references.
Payroll Officer at The Sir John Brunner Foundation in Macclesfield employer: The Macclesfield Academy
Contact Detail:
The Macclesfield Academy Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Officer at The Sir John Brunner Foundation in Macclesfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at The Sir John Brunner Foundation on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the Foundation's values and mission. Show us how your skills align with their commitment to educational excellence and community support.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice common interview questions related to payroll and HRIS. We want to see your analytical skills shine, so be ready to discuss how you've handled data and compliance in the past.
✨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 you’re serious about joining our team at The Sir John Brunner Foundation.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Officer at The Sir John Brunner Foundation in Macclesfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Officer role. Highlight your experience with HRIS and payroll processes, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with us at The Sir John Brunner Foundation. Share specific examples of your past experiences that align with our mission and values.
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since this role requires strong attention to detail, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. We appreciate candidates who take pride in their work, so double-check everything before hitting send!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Macclesfield Academy
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Payroll Officer, you'll be dealing with figures all day long. Brush up on your payroll processes and be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy and compliance. Familiarise yourself with common payroll legislation and be prepared to give examples of how you've handled payroll discrepancies in the past.
✨Showcase Your HRIS Skills
Since managing the HR Information System is a key part of the role, make sure you can talk about your experience with HRIS. Be ready to explain how you've built queries and reports, and share any specific examples of how your analytical skills have helped improve data integrity or streamline processes.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Think about times when you've had to explain complex payroll or HRIS information to colleagues or stakeholders. Practise articulating these experiences clearly, as it will demonstrate your ability to work effectively with others.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Prepare by thinking through potential challenges you might face in the role, such as handling sensitive information or managing tight deadlines. Having a few well-thought-out responses ready will show that you're proactive and ready to tackle the job head-on.