Payroll & Pensions Assistant

The Weydon Multi-Academy Trust (WMAT) is a family of seventeen schools and a sixth form college, serving communities across Surrey and Hampshire. In addition, we have the School Centred Teacher Training provider, the i2i SCITT. WMAT has recently integrated with The Prospect Trust, which has brought along wonderful opportunities for both students and staff across the organisation. The Trust vision is clear: Stronger together, transforming lives, creating memories which are celebrated for a lifetime. Guided by our core values of aspiration, ambition, trust, and integrity, we strive to provide an inspiring educational experience for every student. Our Payroll function plays a central role in supporting a modern, people focused Trust. We are committed to delivering accurate, efficient and service driven payroll services that ensure our employees are paid accurately and on time. We are seeking a Payroll & Pensions Assistant to join our dynamic and professional Payroll Team. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual who is motivated by accuracy, continuous improvement and delivering a high-quality payroll service. The successful candidate will be joining at an exciting time as we transition to a brand-new, unified payroll platform across the Trust. As part of a supportive and forward-thinking team, you will play a key role in maintaining the smooth day-to-day delivery of payroll while supporting data migration, system testing and the implementation of new payroll processes. Working with large volumes of payroll data and collaborating closely with colleagues across HR and Finance, you will help ensure our employees continue to be paid accurately and on time while contributing to the successful development of our future payroll system.

Key purpose of the role:

• The primary function of this role is to support the Payroll Lead and Payroll Manager in delivering excellent customer service and accurate payroll across WMAT.
• The postholder will assist with the accurate processing of Payroll & Pensions, adhering to UK payroll statutory requirements, responding to employee queries, providing required data and ensuring payroll returns and external audits are delivered.
• The role will currently work across two payroll platforms, iTrent and Data plan, and will support the accurate maintenance of HR & Payroll data.

Our ideal candidate:

• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to work accurately and confidently with large volumes of payroll data.
• Good organisational ability, with confidence in managing multiple priorities and meeting deadlines in a busy payroll environment.
• Excellent attention to detail, particularly when handling confidential payroll and employee information.
• Strong IT skills, including experience using Microsoft Excel, payroll systems and databases to manage and report on data.
• A positive, proactive approach, with a willingness to learn new systems and support continuous improvement during a period of change.

Previous payroll experience, or a strong understanding of payroll principles and processes, would be highly beneficial. Candidates with an HR background may be interested in this role as it offers the opportunity to build on existing people-focused knowledge while developing specialist payroll expertise.

What we offer:

• A collaborative Payroll team and a supportive Trust-wide culture
• Opportunities for professional development
• Access to wellbeing initiatives and staff support resources
• A meaningful role that supports colleagues who in turn support thousands of learners
• Generous pension scheme
• Westfield Health Cash Plan, which includes an Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to Vivup benefits (cycle to work and lifestyle savings)
• Ample free parking
• Modern, well-maintained campuses and attractive working environments

All appointments are subject to safer recruitment procedures and an enhanced DBS check.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect this commitment.