At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll for a large workforce, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Company: Established organisation in the Education sector making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, health cash plan, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentoring and professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and develop your career while helping others.
- Qualifications: Experience in payroll management and a recognised payroll qualification.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 40000 £ per year.
Senior Payroll Officer Cranleigh – Office based £35,000-£40,000 About the Client Our client is a well-established organisation within the Education sector, providing specialist services that make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people and adults.
They foster a supportive and collaborative working environment where professional development is encouraged, and employees are empowered to make a positive impact.
They value integrity, teamwork and continuous learning, creating a workplace where people can develop their careers while contributing to an important cause.
About the Successful Applicant You will have significant experience managing an in-house payroll for a minimum workforce of 200, together with a recognised payroll qualification such as CIPP Level 4 or equivalent.
You'll possess excellent knowledge of UK payroll legislation, pensions and statutory payments, alongside strong Excel skills, exceptional attention to detail and the confidence to communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Experience supervising colleagues and supporting HR activities would be advantageous.
About the Job An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced payroll professional to take ownership of a busy in-house payroll function.
Working closely with HR and Finance, you will ensure payroll is delivered accurately, compliantly and on time, whilst acting as a senior point of contact for payroll-related queries and supporting junior colleagues.
Duties will include: Managing the end-to-end monthly payroll process for a large employee population.
Processing new starters, leavers, contractual changes and payroll adjustments.
Administering statutory payments including sick pay, maternity pay and other payroll-related entitlements.
Ensuring compliance with payroll legislation, pensions and HMRC requirements.
Reviewing payroll data, carrying out reconciliations and validating reports before payment.
Producing statutory returns, year-end documentation and management reports.
Maintaining accurate payroll and HR records, including employee absence information.
Responding to complex payroll enquiries from employees and external organisations.
Working alongside HR and Finance to resolve payroll issues and improve processes.
Supporting payroll system updates, testing and continuous process improvements.
Mentoring less experienced colleagues and sharing payroll knowledge across the team.
Assisting with wider office administration duties when required.
What You Will Receive in Return In return, you will join a supportive organisation where your expertise will be recognised and valued.
You'll benefit from ongoing professional development, opportunities to undertake further payroll training, a collaborative working culture, the chance to mentor colleagues and play a key role in a close-knit HR and Finance team, with long-term career development opportunities available.
Benefits include 25 days + BH, a health cash plan, life assurance, wellbeing support services, and free on-site parking.
Additional perks include subsidised meals during term time, a structured induction programme, and access to ongoing training, alongside a financial bonus scheme rewarding tenure.
Please get in touch –
Senior Payroll Officer employer: Wade Macdonald
Wade Macdonald is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Milton Keynes where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to driving meaningful HR initiatives, employees enjoy hybrid working arrangements, significant exposure to senior leadership, and the opportunity to influence the employee experience during a transformative period. Join us to be part of a supportive culture that values your contributions and fosters professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Payroll Officer
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Wade Macdonald!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Wade Macdonald.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Payroll Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Wade Macdonald. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Wade Macdonald and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Wade Macdonald. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Wade Macdonald's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wade Macdonald
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Wade Macdonald.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Wade Macdonald will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Wade Macdonald and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
