Payroll Administrator in Polegate, East Sussex

Our client is a well-respected business with close to 2,000 employees. We are looking for an experienced Payroll Administrator who can work as part of a team to handle the business's payroll requirements.

This is a full-time permanent position and the hours are 8:30am-5:30pm Monday to Friday (40 hour working week).

Details of the position are as follows:

Person Specification

Essential

- Proven experience in payroll administration or a similar role.

- Strong knowledge of payroll processes, including statutory payments (SSP, SMP, SPP, etc.).

- Understanding of payroll year-end processes including P60s, P11Ds, and P45s.

- Good understanding of UK PAYE, National Insurance, and HMRC reporting requirements.

- High level of accuracy and attention to detail.

- Proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

- Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

- Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet strict deadlines.

- Good communication skills, both written and verbal.

- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

 Desirable

- Experience using payroll software (e.g., iTrent, Sage, or similar).

- Experience working in a multi-site or large business environment.

- Knowledge of pension auto-enrolment processes.

- Experience liaising with HMRC and other third-party providers.

- Awareness of GDPR and data protection compliance within payroll.

Main Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Payroll Processing & Compliance

- Accurately process monthly payroll in line with company deadlines, ensuring compliance with HMRC and statutory requirements.

- Collate, review, and input data for new starters, leavers, overtime, expenses, bonuses, and other payroll exceptions.

- Submit payroll files to MHR and manage the validation process, resolving discrepancies before final submission.

- Prepare and submit BACS payments, PAYE, and payroll certificates, ensuring all approvals are in place.

- Maintain awareness of legislative changes impacting payroll and statutory payments.

Pensions & Benefits Administration

- Administer pension auto-enrolment, opt-ins, opt-outs, and re-enrolment cycles for all brands.

- Produce pension letters and upload to colleague records, ensuring regulatory compliance.

- Manage colleague benefit data (private health care, group income protection, life assurance) and liaise with providers on updates and renewals.

- Produce accurate reports to support gender pay gap submissions, P11D reporting, and other statutory filings.

Reporting & Data Management

- Maintain accurate and confidential payroll and HR records to support audits and reporting requirements.

- Spot-check payroll monthly and provide findings to the HR Manager.

- Update and share bonus eligibility and absence reports with Finance and HR teams.

- Liaise with HMRC and other external agencies regarding tax codes, statutory payments, and compliance queries.

Colleague Support

- Act as the first point of contact for payroll and benefit queries, resolving issues promptly and professionally.

- Provide guidance to colleagues on statutory pay entitlements including maternity, paternity, and SSP.

- Support HR colleagues with payroll-related processes to ensure a seamless colleague experience.

Skills, Experience and Behaviours

- A-Levels or equivalent (Degree in Accounting or related field preferred).

- Minimum 1 years' experience in a payroll role, ideally in a multi-site environment.

- Strong numerical aptitude and attention to detail, with experience using Excel (formulas, reporting).

- Knowledge of UK payroll legislation and statutory reporting requirements.

- Excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.

- Able to maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive information professionally.

What Success Looks Like

- Payroll is processed accurately and on time every month, with no missed deadlines.

- Colleague queries are resolved efficiently, maintaining trust and confidentiality.

- Statutory reporting and compliance requirements are met consistently.

- HR and Finance colleagues have accurate and timely payroll data for decision-making.

Benefits Package

- Up to c£36k basic salary (depending on experience)
- 25 days holiday (+8 bank holidays)
- Group bonus scheme
- Enhanced pension scheme (5% employer, 3% employee)
- Employee assistance programme 

If you are experienced within Payroll and looking for your next challenge, please apply now!