At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage payroll processes and support employee inquiries in a vibrant school environment.
- Company: Join Westminster School, a prestigious institution with a strong sense of community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension scheme, free meals, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team in a lively atmosphere with excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by ensuring employees are paid accurately and on time.
- Qualifications: Attention to detail and strong communication skills are essential; training provided.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: Dean's Yard, Westminster
Contract: Full-time, Permanent Position
Hours of work: 09:00 - 17:00, Monday to Friday with an hour unpaid lunchbreak.
Salary: £30,000 - £32,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
Benefits include:
- Generous School pension scheme
- Free access to the School's leisure facilities, including a fitness gym (restricted hours).
- Cycle to Work Scheme and season ticket loans following completion of our standard probation period
- Private medical insurance (opt in)
- Discretionary Christmas shutdown period
- Professional development opportunities
- School fee remission (subject to meeting admission requirements)
- Free school meals are also available when on-site during working hours for the role.
Job Introduction
Westminster School is looking for a Payroll Administrator to support all aspects of payroll processes. Payroll is a key part of the People function and requires a competent professional to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of payroll and pension operations. You will be responsible for processing payroll, maintaining employee records, and ensuring compliance with tax and legislative laws. You will also assist with payroll related employee inquiries. This is an excellent opportunity to learn new skills, whilst building on existing experience.
Working as part of a small team, the Payroll Administrator will report into the Head of Payroll, Pensions and Benefits. You will adhere to strict deadlines to ensure that all employees are paid accurately on time in line with company policies and regulatory requirements, including:
- start to finish calculations
- administration to the payroll system of starters, leavers, overtime, pensions, pay variations and changes.
Training will be given where necessary on the balancing and running of payrolls and HMRC administration. You will be a quick learner, used to working in situations that require a high attention to detail and will also be confident working independently with minimal supervision. Excellent time management, attention to detail, communication and relationship management skills, and the ability to work within a team are essential to the role.
Main Purpose of the Role
The main duties of the role will include but not be limited to:
- Ensuring all timesheets are received, authorised and entered into the system accurately
- Processing payroll for all employees accurately and on time
- Accurately determine the correct Tax, NI, Pension status and Statutory payments due to employees throughout their employment.
- Administration of payroll documentation
- Administration of employee benefits programs, including enrolments, changes and employee support
- Serve as the first point of contact for employee queries. Providing timely and accurate information to employees and resolve any issues or discrepancies.
- Monthly end to end processing of payroll for all staff
- Preparation of pension files
Equal Opportunities
We are an equal opportunities employer. We therefore encourage candidates to apply irrespective of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion and belief, gender identity, sex or sexual orientation.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
Westminster School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Working at Westminster
Westminster School is a busy, purposeful and vibrant place to be and an excellent workplace. The community is made up of around 750 pupils, 120 teaching staff and 108 support staff. Our staff are friendly and welcoming, and all newcomers quickly become part of the rhythm of life here. There is a real sense of community here as, being a boarding school many members of staff and pupils live on site and the School's premises are very much treated as a home away from home. School life starts before breakfast and continues way beyond the working day; as a result, there is always a lively atmosphere in and around School and always someone to share a tea and biscuit with in the Common Room. Support staff as much as teaching staff are encouraged to embrace the School's day-to-day activities, whether that be attending an evening concert or a morning service in the Abbey.
At Westminster we will always select the best candidate for every position. We do know, however, that we can only truly choose the best person on every occasion if a broad and diverse pool of candidates see the job advertised and are encouraged to apply. As such, we continue to work on how our job roles are encountered, and particularly welcome applications from groups who have traditionally been underrepresented here. Westminster School is for everyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or any other protected characteristic. We hope you are encouraged to apply.
The School
Westminster School is an independent day and boarding school for boys aged 13-18 and girls aged 16-18, with a long history, a distinctive ethos, and a unique sense of place in the very heart of London. Pupils achieve exceptional examination results and entrance to some of the top universities in the world. It is a busy, passionate and purposeful place where independent and deep thinking is enjoyed, encouraged and respected by all, and where holistic excellence is nurtured and valued.
While the School is one of the foremost centres of academic excellence in the country, its commitment to academic life does not make it a hothouse for passing examinations. Pupils' success at examinations and entry to leading universities is instead a result of their enjoyment of academic enquiry, debate and search for explanation, well beyond published syllabuses. Pupils are intellectually, socially, ethically and politically engaged and our aim is to ensure that their enthusiasm for learning is developed further, allowing them to take full advantage of the opportunities presented to them in the future. At Westminster, pupils have the freedom to lead on projects outside of the classroom and embrace a whole range of extra-curricular activities and interests. A host of pupil-led societies take place every week at the School, often with expert guest speakers, and pupils can choose to study an additional language, play an instrument or two, volunteer in local primary schools, row along the Thames, take part in plays and musicals, and much more.
The School's ethos resides in the enduring values of the liberal tradition reflected in the 1560 Charter of Westminster's Elizabethan foundation, where it is stated that: 'the youth which is growing to manhood, as tender shoots in the wood of our state, shall be liberally instructed in good books to the greater honour of the state'. Whilst academic and cultural attainments are highly prized at Westminster, the School is fully committed also to each pupil's spiritual, moral, emotional and physical development and wellbeing - with a particular emphasis on drawing out individual talent wherever it lies - and to prepare young people for fulfilled private and public lives.
From September 2028, the School will welcome both girls and boys at 13+ entry, offering a Westminster education to all. By 2026, Westminster Under School will have opened its brand new pre-prep for girls and boys at 4+ and girls will have joined boys in Years 3 and 7, at the 7+ and 11+ entry points. By 2030, all year groups at Westminster School and Westminster Under School, from ages four to 18, will be fully co-educational, reflecting the School's dedication to inclusivity and excellence.
Payroll Administrator employer: Westminster Opera Co.
Westminster School is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work environment in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on community, staff enjoy generous benefits including a school pension scheme, private medical insurance, and professional development opportunities, all while being part of a dynamic team that values inclusivity and personal growth. The unique atmosphere of the school fosters collaboration and engagement, making it a rewarding place to work for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Payroll Administrator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or even in person. Let them know you're on the hunt for a Payroll Administrator role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common payroll-related questions. Brush up on your knowledge of tax laws and pension schemes, as these are crucial for the role. We can help you with resources to get you interview-ready!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values. Check out our website for roles that suit your skills and interests. Tailor your approach to show why you’d be a great fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in making a lasting impression. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Payroll Administrator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Payroll Administrator role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description, like payroll processing and attention to detail. We want to see how you can contribute 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 this role and how your background makes you a great fit. Don’t forget to mention your enthusiasm for working at Westminster School!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail:Since this role requires high attention to detail, make sure your application is free from typos and errors. A clean, well-organised application reflects your ability to manage payroll accurately, which is crucial for us.
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 don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Westminster Opera Co.
✨Know Your Payroll Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your payroll knowledge. Understand key concepts like tax calculations, National Insurance, and pension schemes. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Attention to Detail
As a Payroll Administrator, attention to detail is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where your meticulous nature helped avoid errors or improved processes. This will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Prepare for Common Questions
Anticipate questions related to payroll processing and employee inquiries. Think about how you would handle specific scenarios, such as resolving discrepancies or managing tight deadlines. Practising your responses can help you feel more at ease during the interview.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills
Since you'll be working closely with a small team, highlight your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've communicated with colleagues or resolved conflicts in the past. This will show that you can contribute positively to the team dynamic.
